Connecticut State Department of Public Health

The Federal Government has reopened COVIDtests.gov. Every household can order four over-the-counter COVID-19 tests for free. These tests are intended for use throughout the 2024 holiday season to detect currently circulating COVID-19 variants. Please visit COVIDtests.gov for your free test.

Press Releases

03/07/2024

High levels of lead found in numerous brands of ground cinnamon products

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 7, 2024

CONTACT:     Chris Boyle, Director of Communications

                        (860) 706-9654 – christopher.boyle@ct.gov

 

 

HARTFORD, Conn— The United States Food and Drug Administration has issued a public health alert regarding certain ground cinnamon products that contain levels of lead that exceed the federal lead content ban. The FDA is calling for a voluntary recall of the following products:

  • La Fiesta, lot 25033, sold at La Superior Super Mercados (only in California)
  • Marcum, best by Oct. 16, 2025 and April 6, 2025 BY SAV-A-LOT (five locations in Connecticut)
  • MTCI, sold at SF Supermarket (only in California)
  • Swad, lot KX21223, sold at Patel Brothers (one location in Norwalk)
  • Supreme Tradition, best buy dates from April 2025 through September 2025 sold at Dollar Tree and Family Dollar (more than 50 locations)
  • El Chillar, F275EX1026 and D300EX1024, (sold at La Joya Morelense in Baltimore)

The FDA said that it has sent a letter to all US cinnamon manufacturers, processors, distributors and facility operators to remind them of their obligation to prevent contamination. The agency also has expanded its testing to brands of ground cinnamon from discount retailers and analyzed those samples for lead and chromium.

“Consumers should not eat, use, sell or serve any of the ground cinnamon products listed here,” said Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. “If there is suspicion that someone has been exposed to elevated levels of lead, please talk to your health care provider. Symptoms from short-term exposure can include headaches, vomiting, and abdominal pain.”

Last fall, the FDA issued a similar alert about numerous applesauce products that were recalled due to the risk of elevated blood lead levels. Those items included WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches, Schnucks brand Cinnamon-flavored Applesauce pouches, and Weis brand Cinnamon Applesauce pouches.

 

“It is critical to check your home for these products, which could be harmful if consumed,” added Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. “Just like with the applesauce recall, the team from the Department of Consumer Protection will work with retailers like SAV-A-LOT, Patel Brothers, Dollar Tree and Family Dollar to make sure these affected products are not on store shelves.”

 

For more information on the childhood lead program at DPH, please visit the program’s website. Connecticut residents can also reach out to their local health department if they have questions on lead poisoning prevention.             

-30-