More imported cinnamon is being recalled due to its high lead content

ALB-USA Enterprises Inc. of Bronx, NY is recalling ALB Flavor brand cinnamon powder because it may be contaminated with elevated levels of lead.

Short-term exposure to very low levels of lead may not cause any symptoms. It is possible that elevated blood lead levels are the only clear sign of lead exposure. Additional signs and symptoms of lead exposure are likely to include acute exposure to higher levels of lead or chronic lead exposure.

Although lead can affect almost any body system, its effects depend on the amount and duration of lead exposure and age/body weight. If a child is exposed to enough lead for an extended period of time, permanent damage to the central nervous system can occur. This can lead to learning disabilities, developmental disabilities, and other long-term health problems. In adults, chronic lead exposure is associated with renal dysfunction, hypertension and neurocognitive effects.

The ALB Flavor brand Ground Cinnamon was distributed to retailers in New York, Connecticut, Michigan and Massachusetts between December 15, 2022 and May 13, 2024.

The product is not sold online.

The product bears the brand name ALB FLAVOR and is packaged in a plastic bag with a net weight of 100 grams. It contains a brown cardboard package with a picture of cinnamon powder and two cinnamon sticks in the bottom center.

The back contains information about the origin of the product, a description, a QR code for recipes, the UPC 5304000333362, the best before date of August 30, 2025 and the lot number LA02.

No illnesses have been reported so far.

The recall was the result of an analysis conducted by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), which found that the product contained elevated levels of lead.

The company has halted importation and distribution of the product while the Food and Drug Administration continues to investigate the cause of the problem.

Customers who have purchased ALB FLAVOR Ground Cinnamon are urged not to consume the product and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions can contact the company at 917-922-5627 or 929-431-8505.

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