FDA Expands Alert on Lead-Contaminated Cinnamon to Include More Brands

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded its public health alert on lead contamination in ground cinnamon to include HAETAE-brand and Roshni-brand products, bringing the total to nearly 20 affected brands. Samples collected at retail stores showed elevated lead levels, prompting the FDA to recommend voluntary recalls. However, the agency has not been able to contact Haitai Inc. USA, the distributor of HAETAE-brand cinnamon, to initiate a recall.

The FDA began targeted testing after the 2023 WanaBana applesauce recall, which sickened over 300 children due to extreme lead levels in cinnamon. States including Arkansas, California, Maryland, Missouri, Connecticut, Virginia, and New York have since partnered with the FDA to test products under the Laboratory Flexible Funding Model.

Consumers are advised not to eat, sell, or serve the listed products and to discard them immediately. Lead exposure can cause serious health effects—especially in children—such as developmental delays and learning disabilities.

14-10-2025