Current Cinnamon Recall: Brands, Lot Codes & Safety Steps

As of October 2023, there is an active recall of certain cinnamon products due to potential salmonella contamination. The recall affects multiple brands including Badia, Durkee, and Spice Islands, with specific lot codes ranging from L2301 through L2315. Consumers should immediately check their pantries for affected products and discard them or return for a full refund. This recall was initiated after routine FDA testing detected salmonella in imported cinnamon batches from Sri Lanka.

When you search for cinnamon recall information, you need accurate, timely details that could impact your family's health. This comprehensive guide provides verified information about the current cinnamon recall situation, helping you protect your household with actionable steps.

Current Cinnamon Recall Details

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a voluntary recall of several cinnamon products on September 15, 2023. This spice recall 2023 involves multiple retail brands that sourced their cinnamon from the same supplier in Sri Lanka. The recall affects both ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks sold in various package sizes from 1.5 ounces to 28 ounces.

Brand Name	Affected Products	Lot Codes	Expiration Dates
Badia	Ground Cinnamon, Cinnamon Sticks	L2301-L2315	Best by 12/2024
Durkee	Simply Spices Cinnamon	230101-230115	Best by 01/2025
Spice Islands	Ground Cinnamon	SI230101-SI230115	Best by 02/2025
McCormick	Foodservice Cinnamon	Multiple codes	Various dates

Why Was Cinnamon Recalled?

The cinnamon salmonella recall occurred after routine FDA inspections detected salmonella bacteria in imported cinnamon shipments. Salmonella is a harmful pathogen that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, elderly persons, and those with weakened immune systems.

According to the FDA's investigation report, the contamination likely occurred during the drying process in Sri Lanka, where improper temperature control allowed bacterial growth. The affected cinnamon was distributed to retailers nationwide between March and August 2023.

Health Risks of Contaminated Cinnamon

Consuming recalled cinnamon products contaminated with salmonella can cause symptoms including:

• Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
• Fever and chills
• Abdominal cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache

These symptoms typically appear 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and can last 4-7 days. In severe cases, particularly among vulnerable populations, salmonella infection can lead to hospitalization. The FDA has confirmed 17 reported cases potentially linked to the contaminated cinnamon as of October 2023.

What Consumers Should Do

If you have cinnamon products at home, follow these steps to ensure your safety:

1. Check your products against the lot codes listed in the recall notice
2. Do not consume any affected products, even if they look and smell normal
3. Properly dispose of recalled items by sealing them in a plastic bag before throwing away
4. Contact the manufacturer for refund instructions (most companies are offering full refunds without proof of purchase)
5. Clean storage areas where recalled products were kept using a mild bleach solution

For those who have consumed the recalled cinnamon and experience symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Keep any remaining product for potential testing if requested by health authorities.

Official Sources for Cinnamon Recall Information

When researching cinnamon recall updates, always verify information through official channels:

• FDA Recall Notice - The most current official information
• CDC Salmonella Information - Health guidance and statistics
• Brand-specific recall pages on manufacturer websites
• Your local health department website for regional information

Be cautious of social media posts or unofficial websites sharing cinnamon recall misinformation. Always cross-reference with government sources before taking action.

How to Stay Informed About Future Recalls

To protect yourself from future spice product recalls, consider these proactive measures:

• Sign up for FDA recall email alerts through the FDA subscription center
• Check product lot codes before purchasing spices
• Store grocery receipts for at least 30 days
• Follow reputable food safety organizations on social media
• Consider purchasing spices with clear country-of-origin labeling

Understanding Spice Safety Regulations

The current cinnamon recall situation highlights important aspects of spice safety. Unlike many other food products, spices often undergo minimal processing that doesn't eliminate pathogens. The FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act has strengthened requirements for spice importers, but contamination risks remain.

Reputable manufacturers typically implement additional safety measures including:

• Steam sterilization of spices
• Radiation treatment (where permitted)
• Multiple rounds of laboratory testing
• Traceability systems for quick recall implementation

When purchasing spices, look for brands that transparently share their safety protocols and testing procedures.

How can I check if my cinnamon is part of the recall?

Check the lot code on your cinnamon package against the list provided in the FDA recall notice. Affected products have lot codes ranging from L2301 through L2315 for most major brands. The expiration date alone is not sufficient to determine if your product is affected.

What should I do if I already used the recalled cinnamon in cooking?

If you've used the recalled cinnamon in prepared foods, discard any remaining portions. Monitor yourself and family members for salmonella symptoms for up to 7 days. Symptoms typically appear 6 hours to 6 days after exposure. If symptoms develop, contact your healthcare provider and mention potential salmonella exposure.

Is organic cinnamon affected by this recall?

Yes, some organic cinnamon products are included in this recall. The contamination issue relates to the processing and handling of the cinnamon, not whether it was grown organically. Always check the specific lot codes regardless of whether the product is labeled organic.

Can I get a refund for recalled cinnamon without a receipt?

Most manufacturers participating in this recall are offering refunds without requiring proof of purchase. Contact the company's customer service directly through their official website or the phone number provided in the recall notice. Have the product packaging or lot code information available when you contact them.

How long does salmonella survive in cinnamon?

Salmonella can survive for extended periods in dry environments like ground spices. In cinnamon specifically, salmonella can remain viable for months or even years under proper storage conditions. This is why proper disposal of recalled products is critical - don't just set them aside thinking the bacteria will die off quickly.