FDA Expands Cinnamon Lead Recalls to 18 Brands

A public health alert that began July 30, 2024, has been expanded by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to include about 18 ground-cinnamon brands after state sampling confirmed elevated lead levels. Most reported concentrations were roughly 2–10.7 parts per million, with one report of 20 ppm, and the FDA has asked companies to recall the affected products. Newly identified items include DEVI (Dalchini) packets (batch #2502315) sold at Apna Bazar in Washington and BaiLiFeng cinnamon (UPC 4 897055 799401); other recalled products were distributed at retailers including Dollar Tree and specialty markets. No illnesses have been reported, but the FDA warns that prolonged exposure can raise blood lead levels and is especially dangerous for infants and young children, and it advises consumers to avoid or discard listed products and contact a health care provider if they suspect exposure. The FDA says it will continue testing cinnamon sold in the U.S., and experts note lead can enter cinnamon from contaminated soil, processing equipment, storage, or packaging.