In September 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an urgent health alert recalling 12 ground cinnamon brands after testing revealed elevated lead levels. Officials described it as one of the most significant spice recalls in recent memory.
The agency warned in its official notice that “Consumers should stop using these products immediately. “The recall struck a nerve because cinnamon is a common pantry staple, trusted for everyday and holiday cooking. Suddenly, families nationwide were urged to rethink what sat in their spice racks.
Why the Alarm—The Science Behind the Recall
Laboratory analysis revealed lead concentrations ranging from about 2 to more than 7 parts per million, hundreds of times higher than the safe long-term exposure threshold. According to the FDA, “lead is not naturally found in cinnamon but can enter food through contaminated soil, water, or during processing.”
Medical experts emphasize that even low-level, chronic exposure can cause neurological damage, especially in children and pregnant individuals. The science was clear that preventing further exposure was critical. Regulators launched the recall as a precaution and an urgent protective measure.
Impact—Thousands of Households Affected
Federal officials estimate up to 130,000 American households may have purchased recalled cinnamon, a figure based on distribution records and retailer sales data. Because the brands were sold in discount stores and local ethnic markets, the reach was broad. “Consumers should throw away any recalled ground cinnamon products and not use them,” the FDA urged.
The timing—just ahead of holiday baking season—heightened concern. Families preparing traditional fall treats faced an unexpected risk, while grocers scrambled to remove stock and issue warnings before the products were used in seasonal cooking.
Which Brands Were Recalled?
The FDA publicly named 12 brands after weeks of tracing shipments and running targeted state lab tests. Each brand was tied to confirmed lead contamination, sometimes in specific lot codes and best-by dates. Officials said the goal was to be as transparent as possible, giving consumers the information to check their pantries.
The following slides break down which brands were recalled, where they were sold, and why they matter. If any appear in your kitchen, regulators urge you to dispose of them immediately and consult your doctor if exposure is suspected.
1. Jiva Organics
Jiva Organics Organic Cinnamon Powder, distributed by Spicy World USA and sold at Taj Supermarket, was among the first brands recalled. According to state test results, lot code AF-CINP/822, best-by July 2025, contained unsafe lead levels. The brand’s natural, organic image made the news especially troubling for health-conscious shoppers.
Wellness communities reacted alarmingly, as many trust Jiva for clean pantry staples. Regulators stressed that contamination wasn’t about the “organic” label but about flaws in supply chains. Still, the incident was a sobering reminder that even premium branding can’t guarantee safety.
2. Super Brand
Super Brand Cinnamon Powder, sold through Asian Supermarket in Little Rock, Arkansas, was pulled from shelves after state labs confirmed hazardous lead levels. Shop owners said they immediately complied with FDA instructions and removed affected jars.
The recall carried weight in central Arkansas because Super Brand is popular in multicultural households. Asian grocery chains also posted in-store notices, helping spread awareness. The recall was disruptive for families accustomed to cooking with this cinnamon daily. Yet officials emphasized that quick consumer response was essential to reduce the risk of long-term exposure.
3. Asli
Asli Fine Foods Cinnamon Powder, tied to lot code DDDLUS, was recalled after Missouri state agriculture officials confirmed elevated lead. The product was distributed at A&Y Global Market in Colombia, a hub for regional shoppers seeking Middle Eastern ingredients. According to Missouri’s Department of Agriculture, contaminated samples were found during routine surveillance.
Asli is a trusted staple in diaspora communities, so the recall prompted urgent local alerts. Customers are advised to discard any jars purchased in recent months. The case highlights how ethnic grocery favorites are not exempt from global contamination risks.
4. El Chilar
El Chilar Ground Cinnamon, sold through El Torito Market in Maryland, was recalled after state laboratory tests tied lot codes D181EX0624 and E054EX0225 to high lead concentrations. Maryland health officials said bilingual outreach was critical, given El Chilar’s strong presence in Hispanic households.
Spanish-language radio and newspapers carried recall notices to ensure awareness. For many families, El Chilar is woven into traditional recipes. The FDA highlighted this brand as an example of how cultural food staples require targeted messaging. Consumers are urged to check jars immediately and discard any with matching lot codes.
5. Marcum
Marcum Ground Cinnamon, a discount label sold at Save-A-Lot Food Stores, became one of the most significant recalls because of its broad reach. With a best-by date of December 5, 2025, affected jars are stocked across multiple states. Save-A-Lot said it worked directly with the FDA to notify customers and offer refunds on returned products.
Marcum’s popularity as a budget-friendly choice meant exposure risks were higher. According to FDA officials, the brand demonstrated how contamination in low-cost, high-volume goods can ripple through households nationwide, highlighting the importance of rapid communication.
6. SWAD
SWAD Cinnamon Powder, distributed widely through Patel Brothers grocery stores, was also recalled after state testing found lead levels beyond federal safety standards. With a best-by date of October 2026, affected jars could remain in homes for years if unnoticed. Patel Brothers said it cooperated with regulators, posting recall notices online and in stores.
Public health officials emphasized multilingual messaging so non-English-speaking families would understand the urgency. According to FDA recall documents, SWAD’s case illustrated how popular cultural food staples are deeply tied to safety in immigrant communities.
7. Supreme Tradition
Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon, sold nationally at Dollar Tree, was another high-profile product included in the recall. The FDA said affected jars carried a best-by date of October 6, 2025. Dollar Tree responded quickly, putting up in-store signs and digital alerts.
Supreme Tradition’s broad distribution made it one of the most urgent recalls, since families, schools, and food programs all relied on the low-cost brand. According to the FDA’s advisory, its widespread presence showed how contamination in a single discount brand can become a nationwide public health issue.
8. Compania Indillor Orientale
Compania Indillor Orientale Ground Cinnamon, sold through Eurogrocery outlets, was recalled after state officials confirmed lead contamination. The brand, imported for use in European and Mediterranean cooking, catered to niche but devoted communities. Public health officials noted that the case highlighted the vulnerabilities of imported spices.
According to the FDA, consumers were urged to discard the product and stay informed about recalls affecting smaller international brands. For many families, the recall highlighted how complex global supply chains make vigilance even more critical in everyday shopping.
9. ALB Flavor
ALB Flavor Cinnamon Powder, also sold at Eurogrocery, was recalled after state labs flagged lead levels in specific batches, with a best-by date of August 3, 2025. Import screenings raised red flags that led to expanded testing. According to regulators, the swift removal of ALB Flavor from store shelves reflected growing cooperation between local health departments and specialty retailers.
While the brand may not have been widely recognized, its recall reminds consumers that even smaller spice imports can carry significant risks. Consumers are urged to check for and discard any affected jars.
10. Shahzada
State agriculture officials identified Shahzada Cinnamon, distributed in the New York area through Premium Supermarket, as contaminated. The brand’s popularity in multicultural neighborhoods made the recall especially relevant in urban centers. According to the New York Department of Agriculture, stores were given specific batch details to pull from shelves immediately.
Health departments worked with community groups to spread the message quickly. The recall was unsettling for households accustomed to buying Shahzada as a trusted spice. Regulators said the case showed how regional monitoring remains essential in food safety enforcement.
11. Spice Class
Spice Class Ground Cinnamon, sold through Fish World in the New York area, was another brand tied to elevated lead. According to state lab results, certain jars with best-by dates in December 2026 were deemed unsafe. While Spice Class is less well-known nationally, it has found a steady market in specialty stores serving diaspora communities.
Local health officials said cultural organizations played a key role in helping spread recall alerts, ensuring families relying on such spices were not overlooked. The recall highlighted how even smaller brands require vigilant testing and communication.
12. La Frontera
La Frontera Canela Molida, sold through Frutas Y Abarrotes Mexico, Inc., completed the FDA’s list. Distributed across New York and nearby states, the brand is especially common in Hispanic grocery stores. According to state health departments, bilingual alerts were issued to reach Spanish-speaking households quickly. Families were told to discard the product immediately, even if unopened.
For many, La Frontera represents tradition in the kitchen, which made the discovery of unsafe lead levels particularly jarring. Regulators stressed that cultural familiarity should never replace the need for careful recall vigilance.
How the Recall Was Coordinated
The FDA coordinated with state labs in Arkansas, California, Maryland, Missouri, Connecticut, Virginia, and New York under the Laboratory Flexible Funding Model (LFFM). According to the agency, this collaboration enabled rapid sample testing and data sharing.
Grocers and specialty retailers were required to post recall signage, while health departments launched digital campaigns and multilingual outreach.
Officials said the effort was designed to reach families before the holiday season, when cinnamon use spikes. The model is now being reviewed as a template for future recalls of imported and high-risk foods.
What Consumers Should Do Now
The FDA’s guidance remains clear: stop using any recalled cinnamon immediately, throw it away, and contact your healthcare provider if exposure is suspected. Officials said children and pregnant individuals are especially vulnerable, and blood testing may be recommended even without visible symptoms.
The list of recalled products, lot codes, and best-by dates is available on the FDA’s official recall website. Public health experts stress that awareness is the first defense. For families, removing recalled spices from the home to prevent accidental use is the immediate priority.
Broader Safety Lessons
Experts say the 2025 cinnamon recall highlights how imported foods—even trusted pantry staples—can carry unexpected risks. The FDA linked the event to its broader “Closer to Zero” initiative, which aims to reduce heavy metals in the food supply. Food safety advocates argue that stricter monitoring, improved traceability, and more frequent testing of imports are essential.
According to consumer watchdog groups, this episode will likely push policymakers toward tighter regulations. The recall has also renewed conversations about transparency in global supply chains, reminding shoppers that vigilance is critical in today’s interconnected market.
Early Action Prevention
The 2025 cinnamon recall is the largest spice recall in recent years and a powerful reminder of the importance of food safety vigilance. Officials encourage families to check recall bulletins regularly for cinnamon, all spices, and packaged goods.
According to the FDA, early action prevented wider exposure in this case, but the risks of imported contamination remain real. For consumers, the lesson is simple: trust is essential, but awareness and verification are the best safeguards. In an increasingly global food network, vigilance at home matters most.