Elevated risk U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Marcum & Supreme Tradition Ground cinnamon recall: Potential Metal Contaminant - Lead

Recall published 2+ years ago

Potential Metal Contaminant - Lead

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
July 30, 2024
Risk level
Elevated risk
Issued by
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Brand
Marcum & Supreme Tradition
Product type
Other food products
Distribution
Nationwide
Reports of harm
No illnesses have been confirmed to date in connection with these products.

Products covered by this recall

Ground cinnamon

What the company announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 30, 2024 - Colonna Brothers of North Bergen, NJ is voluntarily recalling its 1.5oz Marcum Ground Cinnamon & 2.25oz Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon because of a possible health risk due to elevated lead levels. 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. The 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.

The Cinnamon was distributed nationwide through retail stores and mail order. The products come in a clear plastic jar labeled with either “Marcum Cinnamon Ground 1.5oz” or “Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon 2.25oz”. The following lot codes have been added to the recall list as of 7-29-24 (found on the jar above the label - below the cap):

  • 1.5oz Marcum Ground Cinnamon: 1.5oz Marcum Ground Cinnamon · Best By 12/05/25 12 D8: Best By 12/05/25 12 D11
  • 1.5oz Marcum Ground Cinnamon: 2.25oz Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon · Best By 12/05/25 12 D8: 10/06/25 10A11

No illnesses have been confirmed to date in connection with these products.

The voluntary recall was recommended by the FDA following its targeted sampling of multiple different discount cinnamon brands from multiple different retail locations. Colonna Brothers is participating in this recall voluntarily as requested by the FDA. Colonna Brothers has not violated any Federal laws, regulations, and/or guidelines regarding levels of lead in cinnamon/spice, nor any protocols requiring testing for heavy metals in cinnamon/spice.

Consumers who have purchased the Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon or Marcum Ground Cinnamon, with the lot codes listed above, can discard it or return it to the store for a full refund. Anyone concerned they may have been exposed to lead, should contact their healthcare provider to report their symptoms. Consumers with questions may contact us at 201-864-1115 between the hours of 9-5 EST.

Below are previously recalled codes that we voluntarily recalled on March 6th, 2024. These codes have already been removed from shelves at all stores.

  • 1.5oz Marcum Ground Cinnamon: 1.5oz Marcum Ground Cinnamon · Best By:10/16/25 10DB: Best By: 04/06/25 0400B1
  • 1.5oz Marcum Ground Cinnamon: 2.25oz Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon · Best By:10/16/25 10DB: 09/29/25 09E8
  • 1.5oz Marcum Ground Cinnamon: 2.25oz Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon · Best By:10/16/25 10DB: 04/17/25 04E11
  • 1.5oz Marcum Ground Cinnamon: 2.25oz Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon · Best By:10/16/25 10DB: 12/19/25 12C2
  • 1.5oz Marcum Ground Cinnamon: 2.25oz Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon · Best By:10/16/25 10DB: 04/12/25 04ECB12
  • 1.5oz Marcum Ground Cinnamon: 2.25oz Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon · Best By:10/16/25 10DB: 08/24/25 08A
  • 1.5oz Marcum Ground Cinnamon: 2.25oz Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon · Best By:10/16/25 10DB: 04/21/25 04E5
  • 1.5oz Marcum Ground Cinnamon: 2.25oz Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon · Best By:10/16/25 10DB: 09/22/2025 09E20

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.

Best-by / use-by date

Printed beside the lot code, not on the price sticker.

  • 12/05/25 12 D8
  • 12/05/25 12 D11. 1.5oz
  • 10/16/25 10DB
  • 04/06/25 0400B1. 1.5oz
  • 10/16/25 10DB 09/22/2025 09E20

Package size

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

  • 1.5 oz
  • 2.25 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 Lead

Marcum & Supreme Tradition — 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. Wash the hands of anyone who has been handling it, and wipe down the surfaces it has been sitting on.
  3. Ask your paediatrician whether a blood lead test is warranted, especially for a child under six or anyone pregnant.
  4. Do not sand, scrape, burn or break the item up; that turns a contained hazard into dust you can breathe.

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.
  • If the company stops responding, escalate to the CPSC. Firms under a recall order have reporting duties to the agency.
  • 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.

Remedy named in the notice: Consumers who have purchased the Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon or Marcum Ground Cinnamon, with the lot codes listed above, can discard it or return it to the store for a full refund.

Company contact: Colonna Brothers Inc. — Consumers: 201-864-1115

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 Marcum & Supreme Tradition other food products recalled?

Potential Metal Contaminant - 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?

Match the codes printed on your package against the notice: best-by date 12/05/25 12 D8 or 12/05/25 12 D11. 1.5oz. 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?

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 who have purchased the Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon or Marcum Ground Cinnamon, with the lot codes listed above, can discard it or return it to the store for a full refund.

Where was the recalled product sold?

It was distributed nationwide.

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