Following a recent discovery of high lead levels in a number of cinnamon powders, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been actively recalling certain brands in 2024 due to the presence of this harmful heavy metal and other potential health issues.

On Thursday, Consumer Reports—a nonprofit dedicated to evaluating the safety and effectiveness of products—published a report listing 12 brands of cinnamon and multi-spice powders that contained lead levels so high that even a quarter teaspoon could surpass the daily recommended limit for consumption.

Some brands mentioned in the report, including Paras and EGN, have indicated to Consumer Reports their intentions to pull their cinnamon products from stores. Others maintain that their products comply with all regulations set by the FDA and other global health agencies.

Badia, one of the companies highlighted in the report, stated in an email to YSL News on Friday, “Our lead test results show levels that are half of what the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers concerning in its recent recalls related to cinnamon. We want to assure you that Badia’s products are safe for consumption.”

This year, Badia’s cinnamon powder has not faced any recalls from the FDA, although numerous similar products have been affected.

The following is a list of cinnamon powder recalls issued by the FDA in 2024.

What ground cinnamon brands have been recalled by the FDA?

The FDA’s latest recall was for Asli cinnamon powder on Aug. 28, due to possible lead contamination.

According to the FDA, “Short-term exposures to very low levels of lead may not show any symptoms. Increased blood lead levels might be the only visible sign of lead exposure.”

Gutierrez Distributor also recalled its El Servidor Corp and Gutierrez brand ground cinnamon for potentially containing high lead levels, with two recalls on Aug. 23 and Aug. 19, as stated by the federal agency.

El Chilar HF, LLC also recalled its ground cinnamon products on Aug. 13 for having traces of lead.

The following recalls have been issued this year:

Which cinnamon powders have been reported unsafe by Consumer Reports?

The 12 cinnamon powders identified as unsafe in the Consumer Reports study are:

• Paras cinnamon powder (3.52 ppm)
• EGN cinnamon powder (2.91 ppm)
• Mimi’s Products ground cinnamon (2.03 ppm)
• Bowl & Basket ground cinnamon (1.82 ppm)
• Rani Brand ground cinnamon (1.39 ppm)
• Zara Foods cinnamon powder (1.27 ppm)
• Three Rivers cinnamon stick powder (1.26 ppm)
• Yu Yee Brand five spice powder (1.25 ppm)
• BaiLiFeng five spice powder (1.15 ppm)
• Spicy King five spices powder (1.05 ppm)
• Badia cinnamon powder (1.03 ppm)
• Deep cinnamon powder (1.02 ppm)

Which cinnamon products contain lower levels of lead?

Consumer Reports conducted tests and identified several cinnamon and multi-spice products from brands that are considered safer. These include McCormick cinnamon (0.23 ppm), Kirkland Signature organic Saigon cinnamon (0.80 ppm), Great Value ground cinnamon (0.79 ppm), Trader Joe’s organic ground cinnamon (0.69 ppm), Good & Gather ground cinnamon (0.56 ppm), Simply Organic cinnamon (0.28 ppm), 365 Whole Foods Market ground cinnamon (0.12 ppm), 365 Whole Foods Market organic ground cinnamon (0.02 ppm), and Sadaf cinnamon powder (0.04 ppm).

What actions should consumers take if they have purchased unsafe cinnamon powders?

If you’ve bought any of the ground cinnamon products that have been recalled by the FDA, it’s important to stop using them and dispose of them properly.

The FDA advises, “Consumers should not eat, sell, or serve the ground cinnamon product listed”

Babies and young children are particularly at a greater risk and are more susceptible to lead poisoning.

Anyone concerned about possible lead exposure should consult their healthcare provider. Most people might not show any symptoms right away.

After exposure, as stated by the FDA.