Shocking Cinnamon Recall: 12 Brands Contaminated!

Person holding megaphone, Product Recall text.

The FDA has expanded its recall of ground cinnamon products to include 12 brands after discovering dangerous lead contamination that poses serious health risks, particularly to children and families who depend on safe food products.

Story Highlights

Jiva Organic ground cinnamon added to FDA recall list in September 2025, bringing total affected brands to 12
Lead contamination investigation began after children were hospitalized from poisoned cinnamon applesauce pouches in 2023
FDA attributes contamination to economically motivated adulteration by manufacturers seeking profit over safety
No confirmed injuries from latest recalled products, but ongoing surveillance continues across multiple states

FDA Expands Dangerous Cinnamon Recall

The Food and Drug Administration added Jiva Organic ground cinnamon to its growing recall list on September 12, 2025, marking the latest expansion in a nationwide investigation into lead-contaminated spice products. This recall now encompasses 12 different brands sold across the country, with particular concern for families who regularly use cinnamon in cooking and baking. The contaminated products were distributed through various retail outlets, including TAJ Supermarket in Sacramento, California, raising questions about supply chain oversight and import safety standards.

Investigation Traces Back to Children’s Poisoning Cases

The current recall campaign stems from a horrific incident in late 2023 when children were hospitalized with acute lead poisoning after consuming WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches. Those products contained extremely dangerous lead concentrations ranging from 2,270 to 5,110 parts per million, levels that pose immediate health threats. The FDA’s investigation revealed this contamination resulted from economically motivated adulteration, where manufacturers prioritized profits over consumer safety by using contaminated ingredients or processing methods.

Following the applesauce crisis, the FDA partnered with seven state departments of agriculture under the Laboratory Flexible Funding Model to conduct widespread testing of ground cinnamon products. States including Arkansas, California, Maryland, Missouri, Connecticut, Virginia, and New York collected samples from retail stores to identify additional contaminated products. This collaborative approach has enabled federal regulators to cast a wider net in protecting American families from toxic food products.

Regulatory Response Reveals Systemic Import Problems

The FDA’s ongoing surveillance program has exposed significant weaknesses in food import oversight, particularly regarding spices that often come from countries with less stringent safety standards. Federal regulators have reminded manufacturers and importers of their responsibility to test for contaminants and maintain proper records, yet the continued discovery of contaminated products suggests these requirements are being ignored. This regulatory failure puts American families at risk and demonstrates the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms to protect our food supply.

Lead exposure poses particularly serious risks to children, whose developing nervous systems are vulnerable to permanent damage from even small amounts of the toxic metal. While no confirmed injuries have been reported from the latest recalled products, the cumulative effect of consuming lead-contaminated cinnamon over time can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems. The fact that these dangerous products reached American store shelves represents a failure of the regulatory system to protect our most vulnerable citizens.