Written By: Riya Bhilare, BPharm
Reviewed By: Pharmacally Editorial Team
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a major public health alert after finding elevated levels of lead in ground cinnamon products from Haetae and Roshni brands, distributed by Haitai Inc. USA and Singh Trading Inc. (Roshni Foods), respectively. The agency’s testing revealed lead concentrations significantly higher than acceptable safety limits, prompting an urgent recall across U.S. supermarkets and Indian grocery outlets.
Consumers are advised to immediately throw away the affected products and avoid any consumption due to the risk of lead poisoning, a serious condition especially hazardous to children.
Affected Products and Retail Details
Haetae (HT) Ground Cinnamon Powder, 8 oz
Distributor: Haitai Inc., Cerritos, California
Appearance: Medium brown powder with orange-red tones
UPC number 0 20914 81415 9
Best By: February 9, 2025
Lead concentration: Up to 4.60 ppm
Roshni Cinnamon Powder
Distributor: Singh Trading Inc., doing business as Roshni Foods
UPC code: 6251136 034139
Best By: February 9, 2025
Lead concentration: 2.268 ppm
These products were distributed nationwide across various retail stores. No illnesses have been reported yet, but FDA testing confirmed contamination beyond safe exposure limits.
Understanding the Health Risks
Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can accumulate in the body and cause neurological, developmental, and cardiovascular damage. The FDA states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children.
In children, lead toxicity may cause irreversible brain and nervous system damage, learning disabilities, and lowered IQ.
In adults, chronic exposure can lead to high blood pressure, muscle weakness, kidney dysfunction, and reproductive issues.
Consumers who believe they may have consumed affected cinnamon are urged to contact their healthcare providers for blood lead testing.
Source of Contamination
The investigation suggests two possible sources:
Adulterated raw materials in the cinnamon supply chain.
Naturally occurring lead in some imported cinnamon powder lots.
These findings echo previous recalls of lead-tainted cinnamon applesauce pouches in 2023, prompting the FDA to increase surveillance of spice imports.
FDA’s Broader Recall List
The Haetae and Roshni products join 14 other cinnamon brands recalled for similar contamination, including Durra, Wise Wife, SWAD, Asli, and Jiva Organics. Lead levels across these samples ranged from 2.03 ppm to 7.68 ppm, well above FDA’s acceptable limits.
Altogether, the contamination underscores a systemic supply chain issue affecting multiple spice distributors in the U.S. and imported raw material suppliers from Asia and the Middle East.
What Consumers Should Do
Do not consume any of the listed cinnamon powders.
Check the UPC and Best By dates on spice jars to identify affected lots.
Dispose of products safely do not attempt to wash or reuse containers.
Contact retailers for a refund or return.
Consult physicians if you suspect lead exposure, even without symptoms
The FDA continues to test ground cinnamon samples from retail stores nationwide and may expand the list of contaminated products if more unsafe batches are detected.
This recall serves as a critical reminder of ongoing food safety challenges with imported spices. Consumers should remain alert to FDA advisories and buy spices from trusted, traceable sources. Lead contamination poses long-term health risks that far outweigh the minor convenience of inexpensive spice alternatives.
References
More Ground Cinnamon Products Added to FDA Public Health Alert Due to Presence of Elevated Levels of Lead, 10 Oct 2025, US FDA, https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/more-ground-cinnamon-products-added-fda-public-health-alert-due-presence-elevated-levels-lead
Haitai, Inc. Recalls Haetae (HT) Brand Cinnamon Powder 8 oz of Possible Risk, US FDA, 17 Oct 2025, https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/haitai-inc-recalls-haetae-ht-brand-cinnamon-powder-8-oz-possible-risk
FDA recalls more cinnamon brands due to elevated levels of lead, Times of India 16 Oct 2025, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/fda-recalls-more-cinnamon-brands-due-to-elevated-levels-of-lead/amp_articleshow/124594052.cms
Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts, 18 Oct 2025, USFDA, https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts