Spice Alert! Which Cinnamon Was Recalled and Why You Should Care

Table of Contents

• A Dash of Drama: When Your Spice Cabinet Turns Into a Crime Scene
• What’s the Scoop? Which Cinnamon Brands Got the Boot?
• Why Did It Happen? A Closer Look at the Contamination Story
• How to Check If Your Cinnamon Is on the Naughty List
• No Ceylon? No Problem! Alternatives That Save the Day
• Pro Tips for Storing Spices So They Never Betray You
• When to Buy, When to Bin – The Ultimate Cinnamon Safety Checklist
• Final Sprinkle: Stay Safe, Stay Seasoned!

A Dash of Drama: When Your Spice Cabinet Turns Into a Crime Scene

If you thought your spice rack was the safest place in your kitchen, think again. Recently, several brands of cinnamon hit headlines—not for their flavor, but because they were pulled from shelves due to contamination concerns.

The big question on every baker's and home cook's lips: what cinnamon was recalled? Let’s break down the spicy scandal and find out how it might—or might not—affect your next batch of cinnamon rolls.

What’s the Scoop? Which Cinnamon Brands Got the Boot?

In early 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recall on multiple products containing cassia cinnamon sourced from Sri Lanka. Several popular retailers were involved, including:

• Economy Size Ground Cinnamon – Distributed by Frontier Co-op
• Simply Organic Ground Cinnamon – Also under Frontier Co-op’s umbrella
• Maharaja Organics Cassia Cinnamon – Sold in various natural food stores

The root cause? Elevated levels of coumarin, a compound found in certain types of cinnamon that can be harmful when consumed in large amounts over time.

Brand	Type of Cinnamon	Recall Status	Reason for Recall
Frontier Co-op	Cassia	Yes	High Coumarin Levels
Simply Organic	Cassia	Yes	High Coumarin Levels
Maharaja Organics	Cassia	Yes	High Coumarin Levels
McCormick	Ceylon	No	Low Risk
Spice Islands	Ceylon	No	Low Risk

Why Did It Happen? A Closer Look at the Contamination Story

Coumarin isn’t inherently evil—it’s actually used in some perfumes and flavorings. But when it comes to food safety, especially in spices like cinnamon, there’s a limit to how much you should ingest regularly.

Cassia cinnamon, which is cheaper and more commonly found in supermarkets, contains higher levels of coumarin compared to Ceylon cinnamon (often called “true cinnamon”).

The FDA and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have both set daily intake limits, and these specific batches exceeded those thresholds. While a sprinkle here and there won’t send you to the ER, regular consumption could lead to liver damage or other health issues over time.

How to Check If Your Cinnamon Is on the Naughty List

Don’t panic yet! Here’s what to do if you want to double-check whether your pantry stash is still safe:

1. Check the label: If it says “cassia,” look up the brand and see if they’ve issued a recall notice.
2. Batch number: Manufacturers usually list lot numbers or expiration dates—cross-reference with their official websites.
3. Contact the retailer: Most stores will offer refunds or replacements if your product is affected.
4. Stay updated: Visit the FDA’s recall page regularly or sign up for email alerts.

You can also download apps like FDA MyRecalls to scan barcodes and instantly check for any recalls linked to the product.

No Ceylon? No Problem! Alternatives That Save the Day

If your cinnamon got yanked from the lineup, fear not! There are plenty of alternatives to keep your recipes tasting great:

• Nutmeg: Adds warmth, though use sparingly as it’s stronger than cinnamon.
• Allspice: Great for baking; works well in apple pies and gingerbread.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A pre-mixed blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves—super handy!
• Cloves: Use just a pinch for rich, festive flavors.

Pro Tips for Storing Spices So They Never Betray You

Once you’ve confirmed your cinnamon is safe—or swapped it out for something else—make sure it stays fresh with these storage hacks:

• Airtight containers: Keep moisture and light away to preserve potency.
• Cool, dark cupboard: Heat and sunlight degrade spices faster than you can say “expired.”
• Date them: Write the purchase date on the container so you know when it’s time to replace.
• Buy in small quantities: Unless you're running a bakery, avoid bulk buys unless you’re a heavy user.

When to Buy, When to Bin – The Ultimate Cinnamon Safety Checklist

Before you grab that bottle of cinnamon off the shelf, run through this quick checklist to make sure it’s worth bringing home:

• ✅ Is it labeled as Ceylon cinnamon?
• ✅ Does the brand have a good track record?
• ✅ Has the packaging been sealed properly?
• ✅ Is there an expiration date listed?
• ✅ Have I checked recent recall lists?

If you answered “no” to any of these, maybe give it a pass or look for another option.

Final Sprinkle: Stay Safe, Stay Seasoned!

Cinnamon is one of the most beloved spices in the world—but like any ingredient, it pays to know where it comes from and how it’s handled. Whether you’re making oatmeal, cookies, or chai, understanding what cinnamon was recalled helps you make smarter choices in the kitchen.

So next time you reach for that shaker, take a second to read the label. After all, nobody wants a side of coumarin with their coffee cake.