The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded a recall of ground cinnamon after discovering elevated levels of lead in products from several brands. The recall now includes cinnamon from HAETAE, Roshni, Durra, and Wise Wife, adding to a growing list of brands deemed “may be unsafe” for consumption.
The elevated lead levels were identified during state-level testing of the products. Following confirmation by the FDA, an investigation into additional brands is currently ongoing. The agency stated, “The FDA is continuing to analyze cinnamon and review sample results received from state partners who have been continuously sampling ground cinnamon at retail for elevated levels of lead.”
As of now, the brands included in the recall are:
– HAETAE
– Roshni
– Wise Wife
– La Frontera
– Durra, sold in California and Michigan
– El Chilar, sold at El Torito Market
– Marcum, sold at Save-A-Lot Food Stores
– SWAD, sold at Patel Brothers
– Supreme Tradition, sold at Dollar Tree
– Compania Indillor Orientale, sold at Eurogrocery
– ALB Flavor, sold at Eurogrocery
– Shahzada, sold at Premium Supermarket
– Spice Class, sold at Fish World
– Jiva Organics, sold at Taj Supermarket in California
– Super Brand, sold at Asian Supermarket in Little Rock, Arkansas
– Asli, sold at A&Y Global Market in Columbia, Missouri
Consumers are advised to avoid purchasing any of the recalled cinnamon products. Those who already have these items are instructed to dispose of them, as consuming cinnamon with elevated lead levels can lead to health risks, including increased lead levels in the bloodstream.
While the FDA has recommended that all implicated brands initiate voluntary recalls, the agency has not yet been able to make contact with Haitai Inc., the company responsible for producing the HAETAE-brand cinnamon. As of September 2023, the FDA reported no illnesses or adverse events linked to the consumption of the contaminated cinnamon.
The expansion of this recall highlights ongoing concerns about food safety and the importance of monitoring products for harmful substances. The FDA continues to work with state partners to ensure consumer safety and maintain rigorous testing protocols for food products.