The Hidden Danger of Lead in Cinnamon & Brands to avoid
Mike de LiveraYes, Cinnamon products are available with extremely low or non-detectable lead levels.
The latest harvest of Ceylon Cinnamon tested by DRUERA in July 2025 have non-detectable levels of Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury. These stocks will run out by mid December 2025.
This detailed article includes a copy of the third-party test reports.
Cinnamon improves the taste of your morning oatmeal or latte. However, did you know that cinnamon from the wrong brand can silently harm your health?
Recent information on this topic has caused a lot of worries, specifically about the lead levels of certain cinnamon brands.
Why does it matter? Lead has the potential to build up in your body gradually, even from minimal quantities. Some products have demonstrated dangerously high levels of lead and have surpassed safety limits.
In many situations, there is no need to panic, but it's a reminder to examine the products you use and think about transitioning to safer options.
Fortunately, not all cinnamon brands are impacted, and knowledge can help prevent unnecessary exposure. With up-to-date information, you can still savor lead-free cinnamon without any concerns.
The Causes of Lead Contamination in Cinnamon
- Lead occurs through two pathways: unintentional contamination and adulteration.
- Unintentional contamination can occur in several stages. Cinnamon trees, especially in industrial areas, may absorb lead from the soil, air, and water in the growing environment. The equipment used in grinding and processing can also contribute.
- Lead can be deliberately added to a spice. Adulteration often aims to increase product weight and profit. Due to varying regulations, spices imported wholesale in bulk may be more susceptible to this practice.
Why Lead in Cinnamon is a Problem
Many people love cinnamon. However, problems can arise if it contains lead. Exposure to lead can have significant health consequences, particularly for children and expectant mothers. It can result in delays in development and other medical issues.
Unfortunately, some cinnamon products on the market have been found to contain worrying levels of lead. Lead can enter cinnamon through environmental contamination, and or deliberate adulteration.
Spice blends, like garam masala, may also contain lead-contaminated cinnamon.
The problem becomes significant when cinnamon is consumed regularly.
FDA Cinnamon recall - 18 brands to avoid
The updated list published by the FDA as at 7th November 2025
| Brand Name | Distributor | Lead Level (ppm) | Lot Code/Best By Date | Retailer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEVI | Homeneeds, Inc. | 2.92 | Batch No: 2502315 | Apna Bazar in WA (05/15/2025 to 10/21/2025) |
| BaiLiFeng | Good Way Trading Group Inc. | 10.7 | EXP: 11.12.2026 | Retail locations to be confirmed |
| Roshni | Singh Trading Inc. DBA Roshni Foods | 2.268 | Batch No.: 2409191 | Retail locations to be confirmed |
| HAETAE (HT) | Haitai, Inc. USA | 4.60 | BEST BY 02/09/25 | Various supermarkets nationwide |
| Durra (This in not DRUERA) | EUREKA INC. U.S.A. | 2.44 | Batch No.: 06 B:02, Best by May 2026 | California and Michigan (08/24/2024 to 10/6/2025) |
| Wise Wife | SLR Food Distribution, Inc | 2.49 | UPC: 0 688474 302853 | NJ, NY, FL, MD, MN, OK, OH (02/15/2024 to 06/28/2025) |
| Jiva Organics | Spicy World of USA | 2.29 | Best Before: July 2025 | TAJ SUPERMARKET |
| Super Brand | IHA Beverage, Commerce, CA | 7.68/6.60 | N/A | Asian Supermarket, Little Rock, AR |
| Asli | Sands Impex Inc. DBA Asli Fine Foods, Woodbridge, IL | 2.32 | DDDLUS (Missouri) | A&Y Global Market, Columbia, MO |
| El Chilar | El Chilar, Apopka, FL | 3.75/7.01 | D181EX0624, E054EX0225 | El Torito Market (Maryland) |
| Marcum | Moran Foods, LLC, Saint Ann, MO | 2.22/2.14 | BEST BY: 12/05/25 | Save-A-Lot Food Stores (Missouri, Virginia) |
| SWAD | Raja Foods LLC, Skokie, IL | 2.89 | Batch No.: KX28223, Best Before October 2026 | Patel Brothers (Connecticut) |
| Supreme Tradition | Greenbrier International, Inc., Chesapeake, VA | 2.37 | 10A11, BEST BY: 10/06/25 | Dollar Tree (California) |
| Compania Indillor Orientale | MAMTAKIM, Inc., Elizabeth, NJ | 2.23 | Exp: 08 2024 L1803231 | Eurogrocery (Connecticut) |
| ALB Flavor | ALB-USA Enterprises Inc., Bronx, NY | 3.93 | Best Before: 30/08/2025 - LA02 | Eurogrocery (Connecticut) |
| Shahzada | Advance Food International, Inc | 2.03 | None | Premium Supermarket (New York) |
| Spice Class | American Spices LLC, NY | 2.04 | Best by: 12/2026 | Fish World (New York) |
| La Frontera | La Frontera Imports | 2.66 | None | Frutas Y Abarrotes Mexico, Inc. (New York) |
Note: These lead levels are measured in parts per million (ppm), and the recommended limit for lead in food products is generally no more than 2 ppm.
Lead Free Cinnamon Brands
To ensure you’re enjoying the benefits of cinnamon without worrying about harmful contaminants, consider choosing brands that have been tested and proven to contain low or undetectable levels of lead. Here are some safer alternatives:
DRUERA Heavy Metal Test Results - July 2025 & November 2025 Harvests
| Heavy Metal | July 2025 Harvest (BBD: July - Nov 2027) |
November 2025 Harvest (BBD: Dec 2027 until next harvest ) |
SLS 81:2021 limits / FDA limits | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (Pb) | Not Detected | 0.09 ppm | Max 0.2 ppm (FDA 2.0 ppm) | ✓ Pass |
| Cadmium (Cd) | Not Detected | 0.07 ppm | Max 0.2 ppm (FDA 0.1 ppm) | ✓ Pass |
| Arsenic (As) | Not Detected | Not Detected | Max 0.1 ppm ( FDA 0.01 ppm) | ✓ Pass |
| Mercury (Hg) | Not Detected | Not Detected | 0.0 ( FDA 0.00 ppm) | ✓ Pass |
Laboratory: MicroChem Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd, Sri Lanka
Test Method: TM (FD)-12, Acid Digestion with ICP-OES
Report References: 25/06/L/8457 (July 2025) | 25/11/L/16515 (November 2025)
Key Findings:
- Both harvests meet FDA and Sri Lankan Standards (SLS 81:2021) for heavy metal content.
- The July 2025 harvest shows undetectable levels for all four heavy metals tested
- The November 2025 harvest shows trace amounts of lead (0.09 ppm) and cadmium (0.07 ppm), well below safety limits.
- FDA recommends lead levels of less than 2.00 ppm - DRUERA's Lead levels are significantly below at 0.00-0.09 ppm
- We will dispatch all orders with a Best Before Date of Dec 2027 and beyond when we start to use the Nov 2025 harvest.
Safe Cinnamon Brands
|
Rank |
Cinnamon Brand |
Lead Level (ppm) |
Notes |
|
1 |
DRUERA |
0.00-0.21 |
Druera provides organic options with impressive quality control. Harvests from July and September 2024 showed lead levels at just 0.21 and 0.19 ppm, respectively. The last harvest in July 2025 show undetectable levels of Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium and Mercury. The November 2025 harvest shows 0.09 ppm, Cadmium of 0.07 ppm, Non detectable levels of Arsenic and Mercury. |
|
2 |
Simply Organic |
<0.1 |
Organic, sustainably sourced |
|
3 |
Sadaf cinnamon powder |
<0.1 |
Tested for heavy metals and contaminants |
|
4 |
McCormick Ground Cinnamon |
<0.1 |
A popular brand with strict quality controls |
|
5 |
365 by Whole Foods |
<0.1 |
Affordable and safe, available nationwide |
At DRUERA, we are pleased to attach our latest analytical report, which shows lead levels as
- July 2024 harvest = 0.21 ppm
- September 2024 harvest = 0.19 ppm
- March 2025 harvest = 0.00 ppm
- July 2025 harvest = Undetectable levels of Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium and Mercury.
Please note that the FDA recommends Lead levels of less than 2 ppm, and DRUERA is pleased to be well below the recommended levels at 0.21, 0.19, and 0.00 ppm, respectively.
For lead-free Ceylon cinnamon, DRUERA is an excellent option to trust.
We will continue to monitor lead levels as each harvest arrives and publish the third-party test results online.
When choosing cinnamon, focus on safety and quality. Some brands are known for their lower lead content, making them safer options for regular use. Simply Organic Cinnamon is a popular choice. It contains lead at a level of 0.28 ppm. You can safely consume up to three-quarters of a teaspoon daily.
McCormick Cinnamon Seven Spice Blend is another reliable brand. A lead content of 0.23 ppm allows up to one teaspoon of daily consumption.
365 Whole Foods Market Ground Cinnamon offers even lower levels, with 0.12 ppm. This brand supports up to two teaspoons per day.
Lastly, Natural Plus Green Five Spices Powder is included, though with higher lead levels of 0.35 ppm.
Always request the test report from the supplier, and check the date stated on the report. Some suppliers use reports that are over a year old, which means the stock you are about to buy is also over a year old.
Why Ceylon Cinnamon is the Safer Choice
When you're making your mind about cinnamon selection, it is recommended to choose Ceylon instead of Cassia. One main factor is the reduced amount of coumarin present in Ceylon cinnamon. High levels of coumarin have negative effects on your liver as well.
Please use our free Calculator to find out how much Cinnamon can be safely consumed daily.
Ceylon cinnamon is regarded as a safer choice. Its taste is gentler and more subtle, making it more appealing to many individuals. Furthermore, it is an excellent complement to everyday meals without presenting health dangers.
To get high-quality cinnamon, look for labels that say "Ceylon cinnamon" or "Cinnamomum verum." This will ensure that you receive a safer, high-quality spice. Explore specialty stores or browse online sources to discover genuine Ceylon cinnamon.
Using Ceylon cinnamon in oatmeal or baked goods can be a wise choice for regular cinnamon users, as it can help prevent the risks associated with other varieties.
Lead Free Cinnamon: Actionable Tips
- Ask Brands to Be Transparent About Lead Levels. Check if they provide third-party testing reports on lead levels. Please verify the date stated on the report, as this will indicate the actual age of the stock.
- Buy from Reputable Brands. Stick with organic ground cinnamon brands committed to quality control and continuous product testing.
- Use Ceylon Cinnamon. Opt for Ceylon over Cassia. This is a smart choice to minimize exposure to lead and other potentially harmful substances.
- Stay Informed. Check for consumer reports from the Food and Drug Administration and independent testing organizations that regularly test spices.
Where to buy Cinnamon without Lead ?
With careful food safety research, and a trusted source, you can still enjoy this amazing spice daily.
Feel free to explore the lead-tested, premium Ceylon cinnamon selection at DRUERA, where quality and purity are guaranteed.
DRUERA tests for lead levels in every harvest, three to four times per year. We publish the third-party results online. Due to concerns about adulteration, we do not hold stocks overseas and have shipped directly to consumers from Sri Lanka since 2005.
You can consume DRUERA Ceylon Cinnamon with 100% confidence. Read customer reviews online since 2005 to reassure yourself.
Why don't you try our best-selling product, "Ceylon Cinnamon Powder," ground to order with "Alba Cinnamon," the highest grade of Ceylon Cinnamon?
The latest report from Consumer Labs dated 25th October 2025 also provides a valuable insight in to this issue.
This issue is not confined to the US as two out of three Cinnamon samples tested in the EU failed.
