Elevated risk U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Spice Class Ground Cinnamon recall: Potential Metal Contaminant - Lead

Recall published 2+ years ago

Potential Metal Contaminant - Lead

Spice Class Other food products — recalled other food productsSpice Class Other food products — recalled other food products (photo 2)
2 photos published by U.S. Food and Drug Administration with the recall notice.

The hazard: Lead or heavy metal content

Lead is the reason for this notice. The important thing is removing the source and asking about a blood test, in that order.

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 29, 2024
Risk level
Elevated risk
Issued by
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Brand
Spice Class
Product type
Other food products
Distribution
New York
Reports of harm
No illnesses have been reported to date.

Products covered by this recall

Ground Cinnamon

What the company announced

American Spices, LLC. of Ozone Park, NY is recalling Spice Class 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.

Spice Class brand Ground Cinnamon was distributed to retailers located in the New York City area between 12/01/2023 and 05/15/2024.

The product was not sold online.

The recalled product is SPICE CLASS BRAND Ground Cinnamon packed in 7oz and 11oz packing PET jars with expiration date: 12/2026.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was the result of an 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 continue 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 1-917-532-6768.

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 3 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.

  • 12/2026

Package size

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

  • 7 oz
  • 11 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

Spice Class — Lead is the reason for this notice. The important thing is removing the source and asking about a blood test, in that order.

  1. Take the product away from children and stop using it — do not keep it for decoration where a child can reach it.
  2. Follow the remedy on this page — lead recalls almost always carry a full refund.
  3. Wash the hands of anyone who has been handling it, and wipe down the surfaces it has been sitting on.
  4. Ask your paediatrician whether a blood lead test is warranted, especially for a child under six or anyone pregnant.

How the remedy works

CPSC recalls specify one of three remedies, and which one you get is not negotiable — but how smoothly it goes often is.

  • A refund means the purchase price back, sometimes prorated by age for durable goods. Ask how they calculated it if the figure looks low.
  • Several recalls now ask you to destroy the item and send a photo as proof. Register the claim before you do that, never after.
  • Return shipping is the company’s cost. If you are asked to pay it, push back.
  • A repair kit is shipped free and is designed to be fitted at home; if you cannot fit it, ask whether they will arrange installation.

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: American Spices, LLC — Consumers: 1-917-532-6768

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 Spice Class 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 12/2026. 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 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 York.

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