Elevated risk U.S. Food and Drug Administration

El Chilar “Canela Molida” Ground Cinnamon recall: Due to Elevated Levels of Lead

Recall published 2+ years ago

Due to Elevated Levels of Lead

El Chilar Other food products — recalled other food products
Photo published by U.S. Food and Drug Administration with the recall notice.

The hazard: Food safety concern

This product was withdrawn on a food safety ground. The lot codes listed are what define the recall — identical packs from other runs are unaffected.

What the notice says: El Chilar HF, LLC on 03/06/2024 issued a recall of Lots # D-300 EX1024 and F272 EX1026, contained in 127 boxes (12 bags/box) of El Chilar “Cinnamon Ground” (1.25 oz bag), because it may contain traces of lead.

Why it matters: The agency identified a problem with this product that made it unsafe or unfit to sell. The official summary above describes what it was.

Recall details

Published
August 13, 2024
Risk level
Elevated risk
Issued by
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Brand
El Chilar
Product type
Other food products
Distribution
Maryland
Reports of harm
To date, no illnesses have been reported.

Products covered by this recall

“Canela Molida” Ground Cinnamon

What the company announced

El Chilar HF, LLC on 03/06/2024 issued a recall of Lots # D-300 EX1024 and F272 EX1026, contained in 127 boxes (12 bags/box) of El Chilar “Cinnamon Ground” (1.25 oz bag), because it may contain traces of lead. Further investigation indicates that the issue could be caused by a potentially adulterated raw material from the supplier.

While lead can affect almost all body systems, its effects depend on the amount and duration of lead exposure and age/body weight. If a child is exposed to enough lead for a protracted period (e.g., weeks to months) permanent damage to the central nervous system may occur. This can result in learning disorders, developmental defects, and other long-term health problems. For adults, chronic lead exposure is associated with kidney dysfunction, hypertension, and neurocognitive effects. Lead can cause serious health problems if too much is ingested, such as damage to the brain and kidneys and can interfere with the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of your body.

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) collected samples in February 2024 from Lot: E-054, EX 0225 and D-181, EX 0624 El Chilar Ground Cinnamon, which tested high in lead. These additional lots of El Chilar Ground Cinnamon have been added to the original recall.

The additional lots of El Chilar brand ground cinnamon, LOTS: E-054, EX 0225 and D-181, EX 0624 have been recalled from retail and wholesale outlets However, there is the possibility that consumers could have that product in stock at home. Consumers are urged to stop using it immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Parents, guardians, and caregivers of infants and young children who may have been exposed to lead should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care. Consumers with questions may contact EL CHILAR HF, LLC at 407-880-6007, during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST)

The product was distributed by La Raza LLC, 8795 D'Arcy Rd, Forestville, MD 20747, which distributes to brick-and-mortar retail stores in the state of Maryland.

To date, no illnesses have been reported.

Reproduced from the company announcement posted on fda.gov. Links and contact forms in the original are not repeated here; the official notice below has them.

Check your product

The notice names 7 codes you can read straight off the package. Type the one printed on yours and the list below narrows to it.

Lot or batch code

Usually ink-stamped near the seam, the cap or the bottom of the pack.

  • D-300 EX1024
  • F272 EX1026
  • E-054
  • EX 0225
  • D-181
  • EX 0624

Package size

Match the net weight or the piece count on the front of the pack.

  • 1.25 oz

Codes are lifted verbatim from the FDA — Company recall announcements notice. A code that is missing here may still be covered — the official notice is the complete list.

What to do about Food safety

El Chilar — This product was withdrawn on a food safety ground. The lot codes listed are what define the recall — identical packs from other runs are unaffected.

  1. Stop eating it and check the codes on your pack against the identifiers listed on this page.
  2. Check the freezer and pantry for other packs from the same codes.
  3. If anyone is unwell after eating it, call a clinician and mention the recall by name.
  4. Bag it and bin it, or return it to the store for a refund.

Getting a refund without the pack

The commonest reason people skip the refund is that they have already thrown the item away. That rarely matters.

  • A photo of the label and lot code is accepted by most grocers, and so is a card statement line showing the purchase.
  • Store credit is often offered first. You can ask for the original payment method instead, and it is normally granted.
  • No photo either? Ask anyway. Grocery chains settle recall refunds at the service desk because disputing them costs more than paying them.
  • For a multi-pack or a case, ask for the full purchase price rather than a per-unit figure — the recall covers what you paid.

Remedy named in the notice: Consumers are urged to stop using it immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Company contact: El Chilar HF, LLC. — Consumers: El Chilar HF, LLC., 407-880-6007

The official notice

This page summarises a notice published by U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The agency notice is the authoritative version — read it before you act, and treat it as the final word if anything here looks different.

Open the FDA — Company recall announcements record U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalls

Questions people ask about this recall

Why was El Chilar other food products recalled?

Due to Elevated Levels of Lead El Chilar HF, LLC on 03/06/2024 issued a recall of Lots # D-300 EX1024 and F272 EX1026, contained in 127 boxes (12 bags/box) of El Chilar “Cinnamon Ground” (1.25 oz bag), because it may contain traces of lead.

How do I know if I have the recalled product?

Match the codes printed on your package against the notice: lot code D-300 EX1024, F272 EX1026, E-054. If the code on your package is not on that list, your unit is outside the recall.

What should I do with it right now?

Stop eating it and check the codes on your pack against the identifiers listed on this page.

Can I get my money back?

The notice says: Consumers are urged to stop using it immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Which states were affected?

The notice lists Maryland.

Related recalls