Is the cinnamon on your shelf safe? The FDA says these 16 brands contain elevated levels of lead
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/lead-cinnamon-fda-recall-2025/Certain brands of one of the country's most popular spices, cinnamon, could be hazardous to your health. In the last week, the Food and Drug Administration has identified four additional makers of ground cinnamon it says contain elevated levels of lead. In all, the agency has listed 16 labels as having concerning amounts of lead. The new additions include brands HAETAE, Roshni, Durra and Wise Wife.
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So far, 10 of the 16 ground cinnamon brands identified by the FDA have issued recall announcements.
If any of the ground cinnamon products listed by the FDA are on your shelf, you should immediately throw them away, according to the FDA.
The FDA says these 16 brands contain elevated levels of lead ranging from 2.03 parts per million (ppm) to 7.68 and could be unsafe.
Roshni (2.268 ppm)
HAETAE (4.60 ppm)
Durra (2.44 ppm)
Wise Wife (2.49 ppm)
Jiva Organics (2.29 ppm)
Super Brand (7.68 and 6.60 ppm)
Asli (2.32 ppm)
El Chilar (3.75 and 7.01 ppm)
Marcum (2.22 and 2.14 ppm)
SWAD (2.89 ppm)
Supreme Tradition (2.37 ppm)
Compania Indillor Orientale (2.23 ppm)
ALB Flavor (3.93 ppm)
Shahzada (2.03 ppm)
Spice Class (2.04 ppm)
La Frontera (2.66 ppm)
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it is not one of the brands facing an active recall. A 2024 Consumer Reports investigation found that Walmart's Great Value ground cinnamon contained lead, recommending consumers limit intake to only 1/4 teaspoon per day.
Key safety concerns
The issues surrounding Walmart's cinnamon and other brands include two different types of risks:
1. Lead contamination
Moderate lead levels: The Consumer Reports test found the Great Value brand had 0.79 parts per million (ppm) of lead. While this is significantly lower than the extreme levels that triggered some recalls, consistent exposure is still a health risk, especially for young children.
Daily consumption limits: Based on the lead level detected, Consumer Reports advised using no more than 1/4 teaspoon of Great Value cinnamon per day.
No federal limits: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has no federal limits for lead in spices, which is why brands like Great Value with moderate levels are not recalled. Recalls are typically only issued for brands with substantially higher contamination.
2. Coumarin content in cassia cinnamon
Cassia vs. Ceylon: Walmart sells Cassia cinnamon, the most common variety available in the U.S. This type naturally contains a compound called coumarin, which can cause liver damage when consumed in large, regular doses. Ceylon ("true"
cinnamon has only trace amounts of coumarin.
Risk with daily use: For a 150-pound adult, consuming more than 2/3 of a teaspoon of Cassia cinnamon daily could exceed safe limits for coumarin, according to the European Food Safety Authority.
What you should do
Limit daily intake: For Walmart's Great Value cinnamon, do not exceed 1/4 teaspoon per day, as recommended by Consumer Reports. If you use cinnamon regularly, consider buying Ceylon cinnamon, which has much lower coumarin levels and poses a lower risk of heavy metal contamination.
Check recall alerts: Several other brands have been recalled recently due to high lead content. Stay informed by checking the FDA's website for the latest public health alerts."
