New York State Department of Health and State Department of Agric...

The New York State Department of Health and the State Department of Agriculture and Markets today urged consumers to take notice of an alert by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding certain ground cinnamon products containing high levels of lead. The FDA initiated a targeted survey of these ground cinnamon products from discount retail stores and analyzed the samples for lead and chromium. This action follows the October 2023 recall of cinnamon apple puree and applesauce products due to elevated lead levels linked to the cinnamon in those products and the concern for lead toxicity in children.

Certain ground cinnamon products are affected as of the time of this release. This ground cinnamon includes the following brands:

• La Fiesta
• Marcum
• MK
• Swad
• Supreme Tradition
• El Chilar

Please see the full FDA alert for product lot code details.

These products were sold and distributed by multiple retailers, including Save A Lot, Dollar Tree, and Family Dollar. Some of these products have been distributed in New York State. Consumers who have purchased the ground cinnamon listed on the product table in the FDA's alert should discard the product immediately and contact their health care provider if they or their children may have consumed these products or have symptoms of lead toxicity. For more information regarding the FDA alert, visit fda.gov.

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, "Protecting the health and safety of New Yorkers is a top priority here at the Department. For over 10 years, the Department has been monitoring and removing spices contaminated with lead from the marketplace. In light of the FDA's recent alert regarding elevated levels of lead in certain brands of cinnamon, we are urging New York families to check their shelves and immediately dispose of any of the products noted in the alert. As we learn more from FDA, the Department will work with the State's retail food establishments to ensure that these products are removed from stores. We will continue to follow this issue closely and keep consumers and retail stores informed."

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, "We know that lead is harmful to a child's growth, behavior, and ability to learn which is why it is critically important that everyone heed this warning and dispose of any products if you have them. Parents should contact their child's health care provider if they suspect their child has consumed any of these recalled products, keeping in mind that children can look and feel healthy even when they've been exposed to lead."

New York State continues to work with local health departments to identify cases in children with elevated blood lead levels connected to the recalled cinnamon apple puree and applesauce products.

Symptoms of Lead Toxicity

Lead is toxic to humans and can affect people of any age or health status. Protecting children from exposure to lead is particularly important because they are more susceptible to lead toxicity. Most children have no obvious immediate symptoms. Parents and caretakers should consult a healthcare provider if they suspect a child may have been exposed to lead. Short term exposure to lead could result in the following symptoms: headache; abdominal pain/colic; vomiting; and/or anemia. Longer term exposure could result in the following additional symptoms: irritability; lethargy; fatigue; muscle aches or muscle prickling/burning; constipation; difficulty concentrating/muscular weakness; tremors; or/or weight loss.