Elevated risk U.S. Food and Drug Administration

El Servidor Ground cinnamon recall: Potentially contaminated with elevated levels of lead

Recall published 2+ years ago

Potentially contaminated with elevated levels of lead.

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

The hazard: Lead or heavy metal content

This product was recalled over lead content above the federal limit, which is a chronic-exposure hazard rather than a one-off emergency.

What the notice says: It is possible that increased blood lead levels may be the only apparent sign of lead exposure.

Why it matters: The product exceeds the federal limit on lead or another heavy metal. Lead harms the developing brain, and the damage builds quietly from small repeated exposures rather than arriving as a single dramatic poisoning.

Symptoms and when to call a doctor

The CDC states there is no known safe level of lead in a child’s blood, and that most children with elevated levels show no symptoms at all. That is why a blood lead test, not a symptom check, is the way to find out. Ask your paediatrician about testing if a child has handled, mouthed or worn the product regularly. Where symptoms do appear they are non-specific — irritability, poor appetite, stomach pain, tiredness, constipation or a drop in attention and learning.

This page is general information, not medical advice. If you feel unwell, a clinician who can see you is the only person able to judge your case.

Recall details

Published
August 19, 2024
Risk level
Elevated risk
Issued by
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Brand
El Servidor
Product type
Other food products
Distribution
New Jersey, New York
Reports of harm
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

Products covered by this recall

Ground cinnamon

What the company announced

Gutierrez Distributor of Passaic, NJ is recalling El Servidor Corp brand ground cinnamon because it has the potential to be contaminated with elevated levels of lead. Short term exposures to very low levels of lead may not elicit any symptoms. It is possible that increased blood lead levels may be the only apparent sign of lead exposure. Additional signs and symptoms of lead exposure are more likely with acute exposure to higher levels of lead or chronic exposure to lead. While lead can affect nearly every bodily system, its effects depend upon the amount and duration of lead exposure and age/ body weight. If a child is exposed to enough lead for a protracted period of time (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. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

El Servidor Corp ground cinnamon was distributed to retail stores in New York starting on January 14, 2024.

The product comes in a 1.5-ounce clear plastic bag. The recall was the result of a sample analysis conducted by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSAGM) that revealed the product contained elevated levels of lead. The Company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as FDA and the company continues their investigation as to what caused the problem.

Consumers should discontinue use of the product immediately and are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (973) 777-1851 Monday to Friday 8AM-5PM EST.

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 1 code you can read straight off the package. Type the one printed on yours and the list below narrows to it.

Package size

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

  • 1.5 ounce

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 Lead

El Servidor — This product was recalled over lead content above the federal limit, which is a chronic-exposure hazard rather than a one-off emergency.

  1. Take the product away from children and stop using it — do not keep it for decoration where a child can reach it.
  2. Ask your paediatrician whether a blood lead test is warranted, especially for a child under six or anyone pregnant.
  3. Do not sand, scrape, burn or break the item up; that turns a contained hazard into dust you can breathe.
  4. Follow the remedy on this page — lead recalls almost always carry a full refund.

Claiming your refund, repair or replacement

The recalling company decides the remedy and funds it. You should never pay for a recall repair or for return shipping.

  • Use the company contact on this page first. Most firms run a dedicated recall page with a claim form that is far quicker than their main support line.
  • Have the model number, the date code and your photos ready. Many companies issue store credit by default — ask for cash or a card reversal if you would rather have it.
  • No receipt? Say so. Recall refunds are routinely paid without proof of purchase, because the hazard is what triggers the obligation.
  • If you bought it from a retailer rather than the brand, try both. Target, Walmart and Amazon often refund recalled goods from the order history.

Remedy named in the notice: Consumers should discontinue use of the product immediately and are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Company contact: Gutierrez Distributor — Consumers: (973) 777-1851

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 Servidor other food products recalled?

Potentially contaminated with elevated levels of lead. It is possible that increased blood lead levels may be the only apparent sign of lead exposure.

How do I know if I have the recalled product?

The notice does not publish package codes for this recall. Compare the product name, size and the purchase window against the official FDA — Company recall announcements record, and contact the company if you are unsure.

What should I do with it right now?

Take the product away from children and stop using it — do not keep it for decoration where a child can reach it.

Can I get my money back?

The notice says: Consumers should discontinue use of the product immediately and are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Which states were affected?

The notice lists New Jersey, New York.

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