FDA Cinnamon Recall 2024: Affected Products & Safety Guide

As of the latest FDA updates, there is an active recall of certain cinnamon-containing products due to elevated levels of lead and chromium. The recall primarily affects WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree Pouches (Lot #22071404, Exp. 04/07/25), Weis Apple Cinnamon Fruit Snacks (Lot #22071404, Exp. 04/07/25), and Schnucks Apple Cinnamon Fruit Snacks (Lot #22071404, Exp. 04/07/25). The FDA issued this alert in December 2023 after testing revealed potentially harmful levels of heavy metals that pose particular risks to children. Consumers should immediately check product lot numbers and expiration dates, discontinue use of affected items, and contact the manufacturers for refunds.

Recent food safety concerns have brought attention to cinnamon-based products containing potentially dangerous levels of heavy metals. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a formal recall notification in late 2023 regarding specific apple cinnamon fruit purees and snacks found to contain elevated levels of lead and chromium. This fda cinnamon recall 2024 update represents a significant food safety alert that consumers, particularly parents of young children, should take seriously.

Understanding the FDA Cinnamon Recall Details

The recall specifically targets products where cinnamon is a primary ingredient, with testing revealing metal concentrations exceeding acceptable limits. Unlike typical food recalls focused on microbial contamination, this situation involves cinnamon heavy metal contamination that presents unique health challenges because metals cannot be eliminated through cooking or processing.

According to the FDA's laboratory analysis, affected products contained:

Contaminant	Detected Level	Acceptable Limit	Exceeds Limit By
Lead	2.30 ppm	0.50 ppm	360%
Chromium	12.70 ppm	1.30 ppm	877%

These findings triggered the fda warning on cinnamon products that has concerned health professionals nationwide. The elevated chromium levels are particularly alarming as they represent nearly nine times the acceptable limit for food products.

Affected Products and Distribution Information

The recall affects three specific brands of apple cinnamon fruit products:

• WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree Pouches (3.2 oz, Lot #22071404, Exp. 04/07/25)
• Weis Apple Cinnamon Fruit Snacks (3.2 oz, Lot #22071404, Exp. 04/07/25)
• Schnucks Apple Cinnamon Fruit Snacks (3.2 oz, Lot #22071404, Exp. 04/07/25)

These products were distributed through major retailers including Walmart, Weis Markets, and Schnucks grocery stores across 35 states. The cinnamon fruit puree recall 2024 specifically targets products marketed to children, which increases the potential health risks due to children's heightened vulnerability to heavy metal exposure.

Health Implications of Consuming Recalled Products

Consuming products with elevated heavy metal levels poses significant health risks, particularly for children under six years old. Lead exposure can cause irreversible neurological damage, developmental delays, and cognitive impairment. Chromium exposure at these levels may lead to gastrointestinal issues, liver damage, and potential kidney complications.

The fda cinnamon heavy metal warning emphasizes that even small amounts of lead can be harmful to developing children. Symptoms of heavy metal exposure may include:

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue and weakness
• Irritability and behavioral changes
• Headaches and dizziness

Parents should consult healthcare providers immediately if children have consumed these products and show any concerning symptoms. The cinnamon recall health risks are particularly serious for infants and toddlers whose developing bodies absorb metals more readily.

Consumer Action Steps

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

1. Immediately check the lot number and expiration date on product packaging
2. Discontinue use of any matching products
3. Do not attempt to cook or process the product to remove contaminants
4. Contact the manufacturer for refund instructions
5. Report any adverse reactions to the FDA's MedWatch program

For WanaBana products, contact 1-888-956-0300 or email [e-mail]. Weis customers should call 1-877-994-3476, and Schnucks customers can reach 1-800-783-4636. The how to check for fda cinnamon recall process is straightforward—simply verify your product's lot number against the official recall notice.

Why This Cinnamon Recall Matters for Food Safety

This incident highlights broader concerns about heavy metal contamination in imported spices. Cinnamon, particularly from certain regions, has shown consistent issues with metal contamination due to soil conditions and processing methods. The fda cinnamon contamination investigation revealed that the affected products contained Cassia cinnamon, which naturally contains higher levels of coumarin and is more prone to metal absorption than Ceylon cinnamon.

Food safety experts recommend:

• Checking ingredient labels for "Ceylon cinnamon" when possible
• Varying spice sources to avoid consistent exposure from one supplier
• Being particularly cautious with products marketed to children
• Staying informed about FDA food safety alerts

The cinnamon recall 2024 consumer guide emphasizes that while this specific recall addresses particular lots, consumers should remain vigilant about heavy metal risks in imported spices generally.

Staying Updated on Recall Information

Food safety situations can evolve, so consumers should monitor official sources for the latest information. The FDA maintains a dedicated page for food recalls and safety alerts at www.fda.gov/food-recalls-safety-alerts. Subscribing to the FDA's email alerts ensures you receive immediate notifications about new recalls affecting products in your household.

For the most current information on this specific situation, search the FDA database using the recall number FWAlert 12-23-2023-01. The fda cinnamon recall status update shows that as of March 2024, the recall remains active with no new affected products added to the list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there currently an active FDA cinnamon recall in 2024?

Yes, the FDA maintains an active recall of specific apple cinnamon fruit puree products (WanaBana, Weis, and Schnucks brands) with Lot #22071404 and expiration date 04/07/25 due to elevated lead and chromium levels. This recall was initiated in December 2023 and remains active as of 2024 with no resolution announced.

How can I check if my cinnamon products are part of the FDA recall?

Check the product packaging for the specific lot number 22071404 and expiration date 04/07/25. The recall affects only WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree Pouches, Weis Apple Cinnamon Fruit Snacks, and Schnucks Apple Cinnamon Fruit Snacks with these exact identifiers. Products with different lot numbers or expiration dates are not affected by this particular recall.

Why is the FDA recalling these cinnamon products?

The FDA is recalling these products because laboratory testing revealed elevated levels of lead (2.30 ppm vs. 0.50 ppm acceptable limit) and chromium (12.70 ppm vs. 1.30 ppm acceptable limit). These heavy metals pose significant health risks, especially to children, and cannot be removed through cooking or processing once present in the product.

What should I do if I have recalled cinnamon products at home?

Immediately stop using the product, check if it matches the specific lot number and expiration date in the recall notice, and contact the manufacturer for a refund. Do not attempt to cook or process the product to remove contaminants, as heavy metals cannot be eliminated through normal food preparation methods. Report any adverse reactions to the FDA's MedWatch program.

Are all cinnamon products unsafe due to this recall?

No, this recall affects only specific lots of three particular brands of apple cinnamon fruit snacks and purees. Most cinnamon products on the market are not affected by this recall. However, consumers should remain aware that Cassia cinnamon (the more common variety) naturally contains higher levels of certain compounds than Ceylon cinnamon, and varying spice sources is recommended for long-term safety.