More cinnamon added to public alert because of elevated levels of lead

The FDA is updating its alert about evelated levels of lead in cinnamon to include DEVI-brand and BaiLiFeng-brand ground cinnamon.

So far 18 cinnamon brands have been found to have dangerous levels of lead. For a list and photos of products, click here. The original alert from the Food and Drug Administration was posted on March 6, 2024.

Cinnamon has a long shelf life and consumers often continue to use it after expiration dates. Consumers are urged to check their homes for the cinnamon on the alert list and discard products on the list.

The FDA has recommended that the firms on the alert list voluntarily recall these products, but recalls have not been issued. The FDA will update its notice with the communications from firms that voluntarily agree to recall as we receive them.

If there is suspicion that someone has been exposed to elevated levels of lead, they should talk to their healthcare provider. Most people have no obvious immediate symptoms of lead exposure, but it can lead to significant health problems if exposure continues for months.

Long-term exposure — months to years — to elevated levels of lead in the diet can contribute to adverse health effects, particularly for the portion of the population that may already have elevated blood lead levels from other exposures to lead.

The potential for adverse health effects from consuming food contaminated with lead vary depending on the level of lead in the food; age of the consumer; length, amount, and frequency of exposure to lead in the food; and other exposures to different sources of lead. 

Young children are particularly vulnerable to the potential harmful effects from lead exposure because of their smaller body sizes and rapid metabolism and growth. High levels of exposure to lead in utero, infancy, and early childhood can lead to neurological effects such as learning disabilities, behavior difficulties, and lowered IQ.

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.

Additional Information

• March 6, 2024, FDA Alert Concerning Certain Cinnamon Products Due to Presence of Elevated Levels of Lead
• July 25, 2024, FDA Public Health Alert Additional Ground Cinnamon Product Due to Presence of Elevated Levels of Lead
• Post- Incident Response Activities: Elevated Lead and Chromium Levels in Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches
• Lead in Food and Foodwares | FDA
• Health Effects of Lead Exposure | CDC
• Help Protect Children from Environmental Contaminants: Healthy Food Choices for Your Baby Aged 6-12 Months | FDA

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