’Tis the season for pumpkin pie, eggnog, and mugs of mulled cider, which means cinnamon is about to become the hardest-working jar in the spice cabinet. But before you start your holiday baking, there’s one bottle you’ll want to check for.
SLR Food Distribution Inc. of Hicksville, New York, is voluntarily recalling its Wise Wife brand ground cinnamon because it may contain elevated levels of lead, according to a company announcement posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Oct. 29. The problem came to light after the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station tested a sample and found high lead levels.
The recalled cinnamon comes in a 110-gram (3.88-ounce) clear plastic container with a black screw-top cap. Look for the UPC 0688474302754 on the back label and a Best Before date of 4/25/2027. It was sold at retail and grocery stores in Connecticut, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin between Sept. 8, 2025, and June 28, 2026. *Since it’s been on shelves for more than a year, it could easily be sitting in your pantry right now.
No illnesses have been reported so far. Still, lead exposure is nothing to shrug off. Low levels may not cause any noticeable symptoms, but repeated exposure over weeks or months can be especially harmful for children, potentially leading to learning and developmental problems. If you’re worried that someone in your household has been exposed, talk to your doctor about a blood lead test.
This isn’t the first time cinnamon has made headlines for lead. In 2023, cinnamon applesauce pouches were recalled after being linked to lead poisoning in children, putting the spice under closer scrutiny.
If you have the recalled cinnamon, don’t use it. Throw it away or return it to the store where you bought it for a full refund. Questions can go to SLR Food Distribution at 516-437-3782, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. A quick spice-rack check now can keep your holiday baking sweet and worry-free.
This story was originally published by Parade on Oct 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
