DCP Food Sampling of Ground Cinnamon Initiates Multistate Recall Due to Elevated Lead Levels

HARTFORD - The Department of Consumer Protection Food and Standards Team collected samples of Wise Wife Brand Ground Cinnamon, resulting in a multistate recall due to elevated lead levels that may be unsafe to consume.

The samples were sent to the Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station (CAES) for testing, which discovered high levels of lead. As a result, SLR Food Distribution Inc. of Hicksville, NY, voluntarily recalled the Wise Wife Brand Ground Cinnamon in 14 states.

The samples were collected as part of the FDA Laboratory Flexible Funding Model (LFFM) Sampling Program, a cooperative agreement program to conduct surveillance sampling and testing of foods as part of the national food safety system. DCP collects all samples which are tested by CAES.

"This multistate recall demonstrates the importance and hard work of the DCP Food Inspectors," said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. "Our Food and Standards Division ensures food sold in our state is safe to consume. Through their collaborative work with other states and state agencies, their impact doesn't stop at Connecticut's borders. Consumers can feel confident shopping in Connecticut grocery stores, knowing DCP inspectors are working hard to ensure public health and safety."

''Our laboratory continues to conduct both research and regulatory-related analysis that support making the food consumed by residents in the state safe, and we are happy that we contributed in this specific effort to get these contaminated cinnamon products out of the food system," said Christian Dimkpa, PhD, Laboratory Director at the Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station.

The impact of lead depends on the individual's age, body weight, and the amount and duration of lead exposure. Exposure to low lead levels over a short period of time may not result in symptoms. However, chronic or acute exposure to high levels of lead may result in symptoms including nausea, vomiting, headache, muscle weakness, confusion, and more.

There have been no illnesses reported to date.

The Wise Wife Ground Cinnamon can be identified by a 3.88oz clear plastic bottle with a black screw-top cap. The Best Before Date is 4/25/2027. The affected product was distributed to Connecticut, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin between September 8, 2025, and June 28, 2026.

Consumers should not consume the recalled product and can either discard it or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.

Additional information about the recall is available on the FDA's website: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/slr-food-distribution-inc-recalls-wise-wife-brand-ground-cinnamon-due-elevated-lead-levels

Consumers who have questions about the recalled product may send an email to the DCP Food and Standards Division at [email protected]