FDA expands warning on lead-contaminated cookware
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has expanded warnings about cookware that could leach lead into food.
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced that more cinnamon products are on a health alert because they contain elevated levels of lead.
On Friday, October 10, the FDA issued another health alert saying that HAETAE brand and Roshni brand cinnamon powder contain excessive levels of lead. On October 8, the government added Durra and Wise Wife cinnamon powder.
“Contact with these products may be unsafe,” the agency said in a news release.
The agency has been issuing alerts since the summer of 2024, warning of elevated lead levels in a total of 16 cinnamon products.
The FDA added Jiva Organic Cinnamon Powder to its list in September, before issuing an alert in October of this year.
The FDA is also analyzing other cinnamon samples for elevated lead levels.
What was added to the list?
- HAETAE cinnamon powder– There is no recall information listed on the FDA website.
- Roshni cinnamon powder– There is no recall information listed on the FDA website.
- Dura cinnamon powder– Eureka USA has issued a recall notice for this product.
- smart wife– SLR Food Distribution, Inc. has issued a recall for this product. (Note: The brand issued a voluntary recall in September 2025, but the FDA added it to the health alert in October 2025.)
“The FDA is recommending that the companies initiate a voluntary recall of these products, with the exception of HAETAE brand cinnamon,” the FDA alert said. “The FDA was unable to contact Haitai Inc. USA to share our findings and recommend that the company initiate a recall.”
Other cinnamon products listed in public health alert
In addition to the HAETAE, Roshni, Durra and Wise Wife brands of cinnamon powder, the FDA is recommending a voluntary recall of 12 other cinnamon powder products starting in the summer of 2024 due to elevated lead levels. 5 new products added to 2025 Health Alerts. Other products in the health alert include:
- La Frontera – There is no recall listed on the FDA website for this product.
- Asli- Asli Fine Foods has issued a recall for this product.
- El Chilar – El Chilar has issued a recall for this product.
- Marcum-Colonna Brothers, Inc. has issued a recall for this product.
- SWAD – There is no recall information listed on the FDA website for this product.
- Supreme Tradition- Colonna Brothers, Inc. has issued a recall for this product.
- Super brand-IHA Beverage has issued a recall notice for this product.
- There is no recall information listed for this product on the Jiva Organics-FDA website.
- Compania Indillor Orientale – There is no recall information listed on the FDA website for this product.
- ALB Flavor- ALB-USA Enterprises has issued a recall for this product.
- Shahzada-Advance Food International Inc. has issued a recall for this product.
- Flavors – American Flavors, LLC. A recall notice has been issued for this product.
What should you do if you own one of the brands included in the health alert?
The FDA advises anyone who has cinnamon powder products to throw them away. Consumers are also advised to avoid purchasing cinnamon powder products.
Why are elevated lead levels dangerous?
According to the FDA, “short-term exposure to very low levels of lead may not cause any symptoms.” The federal agency adds that elevated blood lead levels may be the only obvious sign of lead exposure; however, “other signs and symptoms are more likely to occur with acute exposure to higher levels of lead or with long-term exposure.”
The FDA says lead can affect nearly every body system, but the effects depend on the amount and duration of exposure, as well as the age and weight of the individual. The federal agency added that for children, exposure to enough lead for weeks to months could cause permanent damage to their central nervous systems, leading to learning disabilities and other long-term health problems.
In adults, long-term lead exposure is associated with kidney dysfunction, high blood pressure and neurocognitive effects, the FDA said.
What are the symptoms of lead poisoning?
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of lead poisoning differ in children and adults.
Symptoms of lead poisoning in children
- developmental delay
- learning difficulties
- irritability
- Loss of appetite
- lose weight
- Sluggishness and fatigue
- stomach ache
- Vomit
- constipate
- hearing loss
- epileptic seizure
- Eating non-food items, such as paint chips (an eating disorder called pica)
Symptoms of lead poisoning in adults
- hypertension
- joint and muscle pain
- Trouble with memory or concentration
- Headache
- stomach ache
- mood disorders
- Reduced sperm count and sperm abnormalities
- Miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth in pregnant women
What should people do with the recalled cinnamon?
The FDA urges anyone who purchased the recalled Wise Wife brand cinnamon powder to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. If you have questions, consumers can contact SLR Food Distribution at 516-437-3782.
Julia is a popular reporter for USA Today, covering scientific research and breaking news. Connect with her on LinkedIn, XInstagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz or email [email protected]