Protecting families from contaminated food and water
All fields are required
Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on September 16, 2025
Contaminated Cinnamon is still the subject of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) press releases. Not due to recycled content or bored FDA agents. It is because the problem continues to persist.
Despite the enhanced control measures, media attention, and multiple import alerts, products with contaminated cinnamon continue to enter the US marketplace.
Since October 2023, contaminated cinnamon has been putting our most vulnerable population (children) at risk.
Here’s what to look for and what happens if you, or a child consumes this toxic substance.
The recent awareness of contaminated cinnamon began in October of 2023, when four North Carolina children tested positive for potential acute lead toxicity. They had elevated blood lead levels.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), along with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) identified WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches as the potential shared exposure source.
Product testing revealed the presence of lead in these products.
WanaBana issued a blanket recall of their cinnamon-containing products. Shortly after, Wies and Schnucks issued recalls for select lots of their own cinnamon-containing apple sauce products.
Shortly after, the four local cases of lead toxicity increased to 34 potentially linked cases to contaminated cinnamon products.
By the end of the year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 80 confirmed cases, 187 probable cases, and 20 suspected cases (total of 287 cases) across 37 different states.
While product testing ruled out lead contamination in other WanaBana products, samples of the recalled WanaBana cinnamon apple puree pouches found a lead concentration of 2.18 ppm. An amount 200 times greater than the established action level of 0.01 ppm.
Additionally, the FDA continued to work with Ecuadorian officials to investigate Negasmart (the manufacturer) and Austrofoods (the shipper), import alerts were established to prevent potentially harmful products from entering the United States. Dollar Tree was issued a Warning Letter for their inadequate recall, and the governement worked on a draft guidance for the industry to help prevent this problem in the future.
Later, Chromium, another heavy metal, was found in cinnamon products.
While public announcements slowly quieted, more and more cases were being reported to the CDC. In fact, as of March 22, 2024, there was 136 confirmed cases, 345 probable cases, and 38 suspected cases (total of 519 cases) across 44 different states as well as Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico.
Product testing performed by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets found additional products with lead. Another recall was announced.
The woes of contaminated cinnamon is not yet over. Another update with additional products subject to recall for lead contamination has been released. Some of the products are new. Others are additional lots from existing recalled products.
It seems the problem persists.
Additional products may be added to this recall list. Check the FDA’s Recall Announcement page for a complete and up-to-date list of this, and all recalled products.
All lots of WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée pouches
Schnucks Apple Sauce, 90g pouches with cinnamon
Weise Cinnamon Apple Sauce, 90g
La Fiesta
Marcum
MTCI, MK brand
Raja Foods, LLC, Swad brand
Greenbriar International, Inc., Supreme Tradition
El Chilar
Spicy World of USA, Jiva Organics
El Servidor Corp, El Servidor
IHA Beverage Commerce, CA, Super Brand
Sands Impex, Inc Dba Asli Fine Foods Woodbridge, IL, Alsi
Mamtakim, Inc, Campania Idillor Orientale
ALB-USA Enterprises, Inc., ALB Flavor
Advance Food International, Shahzada
American Spices, LLC, Spice Class
La Frontera Imports, La Frontera
Any type of contaminated food is a bad thing. When that food is contaminated with a heavy metal like lead or chromium. It can be even worse. Add to the fact that some of the foods are marketed to children. Then we collectively have a huge problem on our hands.
The impacts of lead toxicity can impact people of any age. But a developing child’s body is especially vulnerable to its harmful effects. Most notably, mental development.
Lead exposure can cause damage to the brain and nervous system, slow their growth and development, and cause learning and behavior problems. Hearing and speech problems have also been documented in lead exposure.
Symptoms of lead exposure in children are often difficult to see. There are no immediate or obvious signs. Exposure can go on for quite some time before small changes are noted.
Lead exposure is diagnosed through blood lead testing, which is often covered by private insurance policies. Most local health departments also offer the service. If you suspect your child has been exposed or is presenting symptoms of lead toxicity, get them tested right away!
Has your family been impacted by contaminated cinnamon? You may have a legal case.
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC is experienced with helping families with cases just like yours. We put a lot of trust in the brands that we buy and expect that they source quality ingredients free of harmful additives. When corners are cut, the consumer suffers. Our children suffer.
Call The Lange Law Firm, PLLC at (833) 330-3663 for a free consultation today. Or click here for an online submission form.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)