Urgent Recall: 16 Cinnamon Brands Found Contaminated with Lead

UPDATE: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just expanded a significant recall affecting 16 brands of ground cinnamon due to alarming levels of lead contamination. This urgent alert comes after state-level testing uncovered elevated lead levels in cinnamon products, prompting immediate action to protect public health.

The brands now included in this recall are HAETAE, Roshni, Durra, and Wise Wife, along with a dozen others deemed “may be unsafe” for consumption. The FDA reported that these findings were confirmed through rigorous testing procedures, highlighting the seriousness of this issue.

Frozen spinach sold nationwide is also under recall, but the cinnamon contamination poses a more immediate threat to consumers. The FDA is actively investigating additional brands as part of its commitment to ensuring the safety of ground cinnamon sold at retail locations across the country.

The current list of recalled cinnamon brands includes:
– HAETAE
– Roshni
– Wise Wife
– La Frontera
– Durra (available in California and Michigan)
– El Chilar (sold at El Torito Market)
– Marcum (available at Save-A-Lot Food Stores)
– SWAD (sold at Patel Brothers)
– Supreme Tradition (available at Dollar Tree)
– Compania Indillor Orientale (sold at Eurogrocery)
– ALB Flavor (sold at Eurogrocery)
– Shahzada (available at Premium Supermarket)
– Spice Class (sold at Fish World)
– Jiva Organics (sold at Taj Supermarket in California)
– Super Brand (available at Asian Supermarket in Little Rock, Arkansas)
– Asli (sold at A&Y Global Market in Columbia, Missouri)

Consumers are strongly advised to refrain from purchasing these products immediately. Those who have already bought any of the recalled items are urged to dispose of them safely, as consuming contaminated cinnamon could lead to severe health risks, including elevated lead levels in the blood.

The FDA has recommended all implicated brands to voluntarily recall their products. However, attempts to reach Haitai Inc., the producer of HAETAE-brand cinnamon, have not been successful yet.

As of September 2023, there have been no reported illnesses or adverse events linked to the contaminated cinnamon, but the FDA continues to monitor and analyze samples from state partners who are actively testing ground cinnamon for safety.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the FDA works diligently to ensure consumer safety. Share this urgent information with family and friends to help spread awareness about this critical health warning.