Packaging of the recalled ground cinnamon due to a potential lead contamination.

A potential lead contamination is to blame for a ground cinnamon recall in 14 states, federal officials announced.

According to a Dec. 9 posting on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website, the cinnamon was sold by TBC Distribution Corporate in Brooklyn, New York.

Officials say the recall was announced after an analysis by the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets found elevated levels of lead in Lucky Foods-branded cinnamon powder.

According to the recall, the affected cinnamon has a best-by date of Sept. 15, 2027, and “is packaged in a vacuum or modified atmosphere 40g pouch with a brown label indicating Lucky Foods brand at the top of the pouch.”

This recall is tied to a public health alert about lead contamination in cinnamon products that has been ongoing since 2024, according to the FDA. The recalled Lucky Foods brand cinnamon was added to the alert on Dec. 10.

Where was the recalled cinnamon sold?

The affected products were distributed to retailers in the following 14 states between April 11 and Sept. 1:

  • California
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Illinois
  • Maryland
  • Michigan
  • North Carolina
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Ohio
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • Texas

Have there been any illnesses tied to the recalled cinnamon?

Officials say that no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recall.

Other cinnamon products listed under the FDA Public Health Alert

In addition to the Lucky Foods brand, here are the other brands included in the alert:

  • Lucky Foods
  • Venzu Traders
  • DEVI
  • BaiLiFeng
  • Roshni
  • HAETAE (HT)
  • Durra
  • Wise Wife
  • Jiva Organics
  • Super Brand
  • Asli
  • El Chilar
  • Marcum
  • SWAD
  • Supreme Tradition
  • Compania Indillor Orientale
  • ALB Flavor
  • Shahzada
  • Spice Class
  • La Frontera

Symptoms of short-term lead exposure

Short-term exposures to low levels of lead may not cause any apparent symptoms. Increased blood lead levels may be the only sign of lead exposure.

The FDA said that if a child is exposed to enough lead for weeks or months on end, it can cause permanent damage to the central nervous system. "This can result in learning disorders, developmental defects, and other long-term health problems," the FDA wrote.

Chronic lead exposure can cause kidney dysfunction, hypertension, and neurocognitive effects in adults.

What to do if you have this recalled cinnamon product?

If you have this recalled ground cinnamon affected by the ongoing recall, refrain from consuming it and contact the company at 718-444-5556 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. ET, for more information.

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ground cinnamon recalled in 14 states over lead risk. See where.

Reporting by Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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