FDA Cinnamon Recall 2024: Products, Risks & Actions

The FDA issued a recall for specific cinnamon-flavored apple puree products in February 2024 due to elevated lead levels. Affected brands include WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree Pouches, Weis Quality Cinnamon Flavored Apple Puree, and Best Choice Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree Pouches. These products were imported from Ecuador and pose serious health risks, particularly to children. Consumers should immediately check their pantries for these products and dispose of any recalled items following FDA guidelines.

If you've recently searched for cinnamon recall FDA information, you need accurate details about this serious food safety issue. The February 2024 FDA cinnamon recall affects specific cinnamon-flavored apple puree products that contain dangerous levels of lead. This isn't a recall of standard ground cinnamon you'd find in your spice cabinet, but rather certain fruit puree products marketed with cinnamon flavoring.

Understanding the FDA cinnamon apple puree recall 2024 is critical for families with young children, as these products were primarily marketed as toddler snacks. The contamination was traced to cinnamon ingredient imported from Ecuador that contained lead levels significantly exceeding safety standards. The FDA considers this a Class I recall—the most serious type—because exposure to these lead levels could cause serious health problems or death.

What Triggered the Cinnamon Recall?

The FDA cinnamon contamination recall began after routine testing revealed lead levels up to 2.35 parts per million (ppm) in certain cinnamon-flavored apple puree products. The acceptable limit for lead in these products is 0.5 ppm. The source was traced to cinnamon imported from Ecuador that contained elevated lead levels. Unlike typical foodborne pathogens, lead contamination isn't visible or detectable by consumers without laboratory testing.

Affected Products List

Consumers should immediately check for these specific recalled products:

Brand Name	Product Description	UPC/Code	Expiration Date
WanaBana	Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree Pouches	819461012015	Best by Oct 2024
Weis Quality	Cinnamon Flavored Apple Puree	041497217045	Best by Oct 2024
Best Choice	Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree Pouches	052548502205	Best by Oct 2024
Danielle's	Simply Potatoes Apple Cinnamon Puree	850002000555	Best by Oct 2024

These products were sold at major retailers including Kroger, CVS, Walgreens, and online through Amazon. The cinnamon baby food recall 2024 specifically targets products packaged in 3.2-ounce flexible pouches with resealable caps.

Health Risks of Lead Exposure

Lead exposure from these recalled products presents significant health concerns, especially for children under six years old. The FDA cinnamon recall health risks include:

• Developmental delays and learning difficulties in children
• Behavioral problems including reduced attention span
• Damage to the nervous system and kidneys
• Impaired growth and hearing
• Anemia and gastrointestinal issues

Children absorb 4-5 times more lead than adults from a given source, making them particularly vulnerable. The FDA recommends that parents consult their healthcare provider if they suspect their child consumed any of these recalled products.

What Consumers Should Do

If you have any of these products, follow these cinnamon recall FDA action steps:

1. Immediately stop using the product
2. Check the UPC code and expiration date against the recall list
3. Do not open or consume the product
4. Dispose of the product in a secure container to prevent access by children or animals
5. Contact the store where you purchased it for a refund
6. Report any adverse reactions to the FDA's MedWatch program

How to Identify Recalled Products

Many consumers confuse this with a general cinnamon recall, but it specifically affects certain fruit puree products. Look for these identifiers:

• Products labeled as "Apple Cinnamon" fruit puree
• Flexible 3.2-ounce pouch packaging
• "Best by" date of October 2024
• Imported from Ecuador (check packaging for country of origin)

Standard ground cinnamon products from major brands like McCormick, Simply Organic, or Frontier Co-op are NOT affected by this recall. The issue relates specifically to certain imported cinnamon used in fruit puree products.

Official Resources for Cinnamon Recall Information

For the most current information about the FDA cinnamon apple puree recall, consult these official sources:

• FDA Recall Notice: FDA.gov/cinnamon-recall
• CDC Lead Poisoning Information: CDC.gov/lead
• FDA MedWatch Reporting: FDA.gov/medwatch

Preventing Future Issues

While this specific cinnamon contamination FDA alert addresses particular products, consumers can take general precautions:

• Check the FDA's recall list regularly for food safety updates
• Be cautious with imported fruit puree products for children
• Consider purchasing products with third-party safety certifications
• Store recalled products separately from other foods during disposal

FAQs About the Cinnamon Recall

Which specific cinnamon products are included in the FDA recall?

The recall specifically affects cinnamon-flavored apple puree products including WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree Pouches (UPC 819461012015), Weis Quality Cinnamon Flavored Apple Puree (UPC 041497217045), and Best Choice Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree Pouches (UPC 052548502205). Standard ground cinnamon products are not affected by this recall.

Why did the FDA issue the cinnamon recall?

The FDA issued the recall because certain cinnamon-flavored apple puree products contained lead levels up to 2.35 parts per million (ppm), significantly exceeding the 0.5 ppm safety limit. The elevated lead levels came from cinnamon imported from Ecuador used in these specific fruit puree products, posing serious health risks, particularly to children.

What should I do if I have purchased recalled cinnamon products?

Immediately stop using the product, check the UPC code and expiration date against the recall list, and dispose of it in a secure container to prevent access by children or pets. Contact the store where you purchased it for a refund. If you believe your child consumed the product, consult your healthcare provider about potential lead exposure testing.

How can I tell if my child has been affected by lead exposure from recalled products?

Lead poisoning often shows no immediate symptoms. Consult your healthcare provider for a blood lead level test if you suspect exposure. Early signs may include irritability, loss of appetite, weight loss, sluggishness, abdominal pain, and vomiting. The CDC recommends testing for children who may have been exposed to lead, as even low levels can cause developmental issues.

Are regular cinnamon products safe to use?

Yes, standard ground cinnamon products from major brands are not affected by this recall. The issue specifically involves certain imported cinnamon used in fruit puree products. Major cinnamon brands like McCormick, Simply Organic, and Frontier Co-op have not been included in this FDA recall and remain safe for consumption.