Ground cinnamon used in cakes, cookies, and holiday desserts is being recalled after testing detected elevated levels of lead. The affected product was distributed to grocery stores across 14 states, and some containers may remain in household spice cabinets despite being purchased months ago.
SLR Food Distribution Inc., based in Hicksville, New York, issued the recall for Wise Wife Brand Ground Cinnamon after a sample collected by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station tested positive for elevated lead levels.
The recalled cinnamon has a best-before date of April 25, 2027, meaning consumers may still have containers that appear suitable for use. No illnesses had been reported in connection with the product at the time of the recall announcement.
How to Identify the Recalled Ground Cinnamon
The recall affects Wise Wife Brand Ground Cinnamon sold in 110-gram (3.88-ounce) containers.
The product comes in a clear plastic container with a black screw-top cap. Consumers should check the back label for the UPC and the printed best-before date.
The identifying information is:
- Brand: Wise Wife Brand Ground Cinnamon
- Distributor: SLR Food Distribution Inc., Hicksville, New York
- Package size: 110 grams (3.88 ounces)
- Container: Clear plastic with a black screw-top cap
- UPC: 0688474302754
- Best-before date: April 25, 2027
- Reason for recall: Elevated lead levels
The cinnamon was distributed between September 8, 2025, and June 28, 2026, to retail and grocery stores in 14 states.
Those states are Connecticut, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
The recall applies to the identified Wise Wife product, not every brand of ground cinnamon sold in the United States.
Consumers who purchased cinnamon during the distribution period should compare the package information with the recall notice before using it in food.
Why Lead in Ground Cinnamon Is a Health Concern
Lead is a toxic metal that can affect the nervous system, kidneys, blood, and other organs.
Exposure doesn’t always produce immediate symptoms. The health effects depend on the amount consumed, the duration of exposure, and the person’s age and body weight.
Children face greater risks because their developing nervous systems are more vulnerable to lead.
Repeated exposure over weeks or months can contribute to learning difficulties, developmental problems, and lasting neurological damage.
Higher levels of exposure can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, fatigue, and other symptoms, although the absence of symptoms doesn’t rule out exposure.
The FDA notes that short-term exposure to very low levels of lead may not cause noticeable symptoms.
No illnesses had been reported in connection with the recalled cinnamon when the notice was issued, but that doesn’t establish that consuming the product is safe.
What to Do if You Have the Recalled Cinnamon
Consumers should stop using the affected cinnamon and avoid adding it to baked goods, drinks, or other foods.
The FDA advises anyone who purchased the recalled product to discard it or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Do not taste the cinnamon to check whether it is safe. Lead contamination cannot be identified through flavor, smell, or appearance.
If the cinnamon has already been used in food, avoid consuming any remaining food made with the recalled product.
People concerned about possible lead exposure, particularly involving children or repeated consumption, should contact a healthcare professional to discuss whether blood lead testing is appropriate.
For questions about the recall or refunds, contact SLR Food Distribution Inc.:
- Phone: 516-437-3782
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time
- Email: [email protected]
Consumers can also review the FDA recall announcement for product identification details.
The affected cinnamon carries a best-before date in 2027, but that date doesn’t override the recall. Anyone with the identified Wise Wife container should stop using it, even if the spice has not expired.
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