The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) added Wise Wife Brand Ground Cinnamon to its public health alert on November 4, 2026, after testing identified elevated lead levels in the spice.
The update followed a voluntary recall SLR Food Distribution Inc. announced on October 29, 2026. The affected cinnamon was distributed to grocery and retail stores in 14 states and consumers were advised not to use it.
Per the report, testing by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station found 2.118 parts per million of lead in a product sample. No illnesses had been reported in connection with the recall.
The recalled cinnamon came in a 110-gram (3.88-ounce) clear plastic container with a black screw-top cap. Its long shelf life meant that some jars could still be sitting in kitchen spice racks.
Which Wise Wife Ground Cinnamon Was Recalled?
The recall covered Wise Wife Brand Ground Cinnamon with the following identifying details:
- Product: Ground cinnamon
- Package size: 110 grams (3.88 ounces)
- Container: Clear plastic jar with a black screw-top cap
- UPC: 0688474302754
- Best-before date: April 25, 2027
Consumers were advised to check the product details carefully because the recall applied to this specific package and UPC, not every ground cinnamon product.
The Recalled Cinnamon Was Distributed in 14 States
The cinnamon was sold to retail and grocery stores by SLR Food Distribution Inc. from September 8, 2025, to June 28, 2026.
It was sold to stores in Connecticut, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.
In the FDA’s statement, there was no mention of which exact stores the cinnamon was sold to.
Testing Found Elevated Lead Levels in the Spice
The cinnamon was recalled after the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station took a sample of Wise Wife ground cinnamon and tested it. During the testing, high levels of lead were found.
Wise Wife ground cinnamon was then added to the FDA’s public health advisory.
Exposure to lead can affect many systems in the body depending on the quantity, length of exposure, age and body weight. Children are very susceptible to lead. Long-term exposure can harm the development of the central nervous system, leading to difficulty with learning, developmental issues and other long-term effects.
The FDA has stated that if a small amount of lead is ingested over a short period of time, there may not be any obvious symptoms. The only sign may be increased levels of lead in the blood.
What Should Consumers Do With the Recalled Cinnamon?
Customers who have bought the recalled Wise Wife ground cinnamon should not consume or use the product. They can either throw the product away or return it to where they purchased it for a full refund.
SLR Food Distribution Inc. has asked retailers to stop selling the cinnamon. They should take it off the shelves and any remaining stock should be held.
Consumers with questions about the recall could contact the company at 1-516-437-3782, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. They could also email slrusaorder@gmail.com.
Anyone concerned about possible lead exposure, particularly involving a child, was advised to contact a healthcare provider.
