FDA Expands Recall of Ground Cinnamon Products Due to Lead Contamination

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded its recall of ground cinnamon products after identifying elevated levels of lead in several brands. The recall now includes 16 brands, with recent additions of HAETAE, Roshni, Durra, and Wise Wife ground cinnamon. The FDA's initial alert was issued in July 2024, and since then, the agency has been actively monitoring and testing cinnamon products for lead contamination.

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The following brands are included in the recall due to elevated lead levels:

Des Moines Register

• HAETAE

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• Roshni

The Republican (Masslive.com)

• Durra

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• Wise Wife

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• Asli

FDA Expands Recall of Ground Cinnamon Products

• ALB Flavor

FDA Expands Recall of Ground Cinnamon Products

• Compania Indillor Orientale

FDA Expands Recall of Ground Cinnamon Products

• El Chilar

FDA Expands Recall of Ground Cinnamon Products

• Jiva Organics

FDA Expands Recall of Ground Cinnamon Products

• La Frontera

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• Marcum

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• Shahzada

FDA Expands Recall of Ground Cinnamon Products

• Spice Class

FDA Expands Recall of Ground Cinnamon Products

• Super Brand

FDA Expands Cinnamon Recall as Hidden Health Risk Spirals

• Supreme Tradition

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• SWAD

FDA Expands Cinnamon Recall as Hidden Health Risk Spirals

The FDA has confirmed that these products were found to contain lead concentrations ranging from 2.04 to 7.68 parts per million (ppm), with HAETAE and Roshni showing levels of 4.6 ppm and 2.268 ppm, respectively.

The Republican (Masslive.com)

Lead exposure can have serious health implications, particularly for children. The FDA notes that while short-term exposure to low levels of lead may not result in immediate symptoms, chronic exposure can lead to severe health issues. In children, lead poisoning can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and irritability. Adults may experience hypertension, kidney dysfunction, and cognitive impairments. Pregnant women are at risk for complications such as miscarriage or premature birth.

The Republican (Masslive.com)

The FDA has urged consumers to dispose of any recalled cinnamon products and avoid purchasing these items. The agency stated, “Exposure to these products may be unsafe,” emphasizing the potential health risks associated with lead contamination. Additionally, the FDA has been unable to reach Haitai Inc., the company behind the HAETAE brand, to initiate a formal recall.

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Despite the FDA's ongoing investigation and alerts, some critics argue that the agency's response has been slow and insufficient. Concerns have been raised regarding the lack of immediate recalls for certain brands, particularly HAETAE, which has not yet issued a recall despite the FDA's findings.

FDA Expands Cinnamon Recall as Hidden Health Risk Spirals

The FDA continues to analyze additional cinnamon samples for elevated lead levels and may expand the recall to include more brands as necessary. Consumers are advised to stay informed about any updates regarding the recall and to check their pantry for affected products.

Staten Island Advance

• “Exposure to these products may be unsafe,” — U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Des Moines Register

• “short-term exposures to very low levels of lead may not elicit any symptoms.” — U.S. Food and Drug Administration

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• “The FDA has recommended that the firms voluntarily recall these products, with the exception of the HAETAE-brand cinnamon,” — U.S. Food and Drug Administration

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As the situation develops, consumers are encouraged to monitor FDA announcements and take appropriate actions regarding their cinnamon products.

Staten Island Advance