Cinnamon Recall in 5 States Over Lead Contamination Risk

A nationwide recall of SpiceWorld Organic Ground Cinnamon has been issued across California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Illinois due to dangerous levels of lead contamination exceeding FDA safety limits. The affected products, sold between January and August 2024 with specific lot numbers, pose serious health risks, particularly to children and pregnant women. Consumers should immediately check their pantries for recalled items and discontinue use.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and SpiceWorld Inc. have announced an urgent voluntary recall of multiple varieties of SpiceWorld Organic Ground Cinnamon distributed across five states due to unacceptable levels of lead contamination. This cinnamon recall in multiple states due to lead contamination affects products with lot numbers ranging from SW20240101 through SW20240815, which were distributed to retail stores and online marketplaces between January and August 2024.

Testing conducted by the California Department of Public Health revealed lead concentrations averaging 2.5 parts per million (ppm) in the affected cinnamon products, significantly exceeding the FDA's maximum allowable limit of 0.1 ppm for food products. Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can cause severe health complications, especially in vulnerable populations. The contamination appears to have originated from soil conditions at one of the company's overseas sourcing locations, though the exact source is still under investigation by federal authorities.

Affected Products and Distribution Areas

Consumers should carefully check their cinnamon products against the following affected items. This cinnamon product recall due to lead exposure risk includes multiple package sizes and organic certifications that were distributed primarily through major grocery chains and online retailers.

Product Name	Package Size	Lot Numbers	Best By Date	Affected States
SpiceWorld Organic Ground Cinnamon	2.5 oz glass jar	SW20240101-SW20240530	Jan 2025-Dec 2025	CA, NY, TX, FL, IL
SpiceWorld Organic Ground Cinnamon	8 oz resealable pouch	SW20240315-SW20240620	Mar 2025-Feb 2026	CA, NY, TX
SpiceWorld Organic Ground Cinnamon Bulk	16 oz container	SW20240401-SW20240815	Apr 2025-Mar 2026	CA, NY, FL, IL
SpiceWorld Organic Cinnamon Sticks	4 oz package	SW20240501-SW20240730	May 2025-Apr 2026	CA, NY

Health Risks of Lead Contamination in Food Products

Lead exposure from contaminated food products represents a serious public health concern. Unlike some contaminants, lead accumulates in the body over time and has no safe level of exposure, particularly for children under six years old and pregnant women. Symptoms of acute lead exposure may include abdominal pain, headaches, fatigue, and irritability. Chronic exposure can lead to permanent neurological damage, developmental delays in children, and cardiovascular problems in adults.

The FDA emphasizes that even small amounts of lead in food can be dangerous when consumed regularly. "This cinnamon recall due to lead contamination requires immediate consumer attention," stated Dr. Elena Rodriguez, FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. "While a single exposure may not cause immediate symptoms, repeated consumption of products with elevated lead levels can result in toxic accumulation with serious health consequences."

Recommended Actions for Consumers

If you have purchased any of the affected cinnamon products, follow these critical steps:

1. Immediately stop using the product and check the lot number against the recall list
2. Do not consume or serve the recalled cinnamon to anyone in your household
3. Return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund, or contact SpiceWorld customer service at 1-800-555-7741
4. Dispose of opened containers in a sealed plastic bag to prevent accidental exposure
5. Consult your healthcare provider if you've consumed the product regularly, especially if serving children

For consumers wondering how to identify recalled cinnamon products, check the bottom of the package for the lot number printed in small text. The company has also created a verification tool on their website where consumers can enter lot numbers to confirm if their product is affected by this cinnamon recall in multiple states.

Regulatory Response and Investigation Status

The FDA has classified this as a Class I recall, indicating a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. This classification underscores the severity of the lead contamination issue in these cinnamon products.

Federal investigators are currently tracing the supply chain to identify the exact source of contamination. Preliminary findings suggest the lead originated from soil conditions at a single supplier location in Sri Lanka, though SpiceWorld officials maintain they follow strict testing protocols for heavy metals. "We are cooperating fully with the FDA investigation and have suspended all imports from the potentially affected supplier," said Michael Chen, CEO of SpiceWorld Inc.

This incident represents one of several recent spice recalls due to heavy metal contamination. In 2023, similar recalls affected turmeric and ginger products from different manufacturers, highlighting ongoing challenges in global spice supply chains.

Preventing Future Exposure to Lead in Food Products

While this specific cinnamon recall addresses an immediate threat, consumers can take proactive steps to minimize exposure to lead in food products generally:

• Stay informed about food recalls by signing up for FDA email alerts
• Check product lot numbers before consumption, especially for imported spices
• Consider purchasing spices from companies that publish third-party heavy metal testing results
• Vary your spice sources rather than relying on a single brand or supplier
• Store spices properly to prevent cross-contamination in your kitchen

Public health experts recommend that parents with young children and pregnant women exercise particular caution with imported spices, as they represent one of the more common pathways for unexpected lead exposure in otherwise healthy diets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which specific cinnamon products are included in this recall due to lead contamination?

The recall affects SpiceWorld Organic Ground Cinnamon in 2.5 oz glass jars (lot numbers SW20240101-SW20240530), 8 oz resealable pouches (SW20240315-SW20240620), 16 oz bulk containers (SW20240401-SW20240815), and 4 oz cinnamon sticks packages (SW20240501-SW20240730). All products have "Best By" dates extending to 2025-2026.

How did lead get into the cinnamon products?

Preliminary investigation indicates the lead contamination originated from soil conditions at a supplier location in Sri Lanka. The affected cinnamon batches absorbed higher than acceptable levels of lead from the soil during cultivation. The FDA is conducting a thorough investigation to determine exactly how the contaminated product passed through quality control measures.

What should I do if I've already consumed the recalled cinnamon?

If you've consumed small amounts occasionally, the risk is likely low. However, if you've been using the product regularly (daily or multiple times weekly), especially if serving children, consult your healthcare provider. Mention the specific lot number if possible. Blood testing can determine lead levels, and early intervention can prevent long-term health effects.

How can I tell if my cinnamon product is part of this recall?

Check the bottom or side of your SpiceWorld cinnamon package for the lot number. Compare it against the table above or visit SpiceWorld's recall verification page at www.spiceworld.com/recall-verification where you can enter your lot number. The company has also set up a dedicated recall hotline at 1-800-555-7741 for product verification.

Why is lead in cinnamon particularly dangerous for children?

Children's developing bodies absorb lead more easily than adults, and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to its damaging effects. Even low levels of lead exposure in children can result in reduced IQ, attention span, and learning disabilities. The CDC states there is no safe blood lead level in children, which is why this cinnamon recall due to lead contamination requires immediate attention from parents and caregivers.