FDA expands health alert as more cinnamon brands found with high lead levels
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded its health alert after finding elevated levels of lead in additional ground cinnamon products sold across the country. On Friday, Oct. 10, the agency announced that HAETAE-brand and Roshni-brand ground cinnamon have now been added to the list, following earlier alerts for Durra and Wise Wife brands issued on Oct. 8.
Since mid-2024, the FDA has identified 16 ground cinnamon products with unsafe lead concentrations, warning consumers that “exposure to these products may be unsafe.”
Newly added brands and recalls
The latest FDA alert includes the following new additions:
- HAETAE ground cinnamon – No recall listed; FDA unable to contact Haitai Inc. USA.
- Roshni ground cinnamon – FDA has recommended Singh Trading Inc. DBA Roshni Foods to recall the product.
- Durra ground cinnamon – Recall issued by Eureka Inc. USA.
- Wise Wife ground cinnamon – Recall issued by SLR Food Distribution, Inc., which had already announced a voluntary recall in September 2025.
The FDA said that while most companies have cooperated with the agency’s request for voluntary recalls, contact with Haitai Inc. USA, the distributor of HAETAE-brand cinnamon, has not yet been established.
Other cinnamon products under the health alert
In addition to the latest additions, 12 other ground cinnamon products have been part of the FDA’s ongoing investigation into elevated lead levels since summer 2024. The list includes:
- La Frontera
- Asli (Asli Fine Foods)
- El Chilar
- Marcum (Colonna Brothers, Inc.)
- SWAD
- Supreme Tradition (Colonna Brothers, Inc.)
- Super Brand (IHA Beverage)
- Jiva Organics
- Compania Indillor Orientale
- ALB Flavor (ALB-USA Enterprises)
- Shahzada (Advance Food International Inc.)
- Spice Class (American Spices LLC)
What consumers should do
The FDA has urged consumers to immediately stop using and discard any cinnamon products from the affected brands. Those who have purchased Wise Wife ground cinnamon can return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund or contact SLR Food Distribution at 516-437-3782 for assistance.
Consumers are advised to avoid buying the listed products until further notice. The FDA is continuing to test additional cinnamon samples for possible contamination.
Why lead exposure is dangerous
Even small amounts of lead can pose health risks, particularly for children. According to the FDA, short-term exposure to low levels may not cause immediate symptoms, but long-term or high-level exposure can lead to serious health issues.
In children, lead exposure can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, fatigue, abdominal pain, and even seizures. For adults, it may result in hypertension, kidney problems, memory loss, mood disorders, and reproductive issues such as reduced sperm count or complications during pregnancy.
The FDA continues to monitor and analyze spice products to ensure consumer safety and prevent further lead contamination incidents.
