Possible Health Risk Reason Popular Kitchen Item Recalled In MA

Another recall alert from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and this one directly impacts Massachusetts residents. This recall involves a popular, commonly used kitchen spice.

The FDA reports via a media alert that ALB-USA Enterprises, Inc. of Bronx, NY is recalling ALB Flavor brand Cinnamon Powder. The powder is potentially contaminated with elevated levels of lead.

Side effects from lead exposure can vary, especially depending on an individual's age and body weight. Children, for instance, can suffer permanent damage to the central nervous system which can lead to long-term health problems.

For adults, prolonged lead exposure can lead to kidney dysfunction, hypertension, and neurocognitive issues. From the FDA alert:

The product is branded under the ALB FLAVOR name and is packaged in a plastic bag with a net weight of 100 grams. It features a brown carton packaging with an image of cinnamon powder and two cinnamon sticks centered at the bottom.

The bottom of the package looks like this:

More information can be found on the back of the product including a QR code for recipes, the Best Before date of August 30, 2025, the Lot number LA02, the UPC 5304000333362, and more.

The recalled cinnamon powder was distributed to retailers in not only Massachusetts but also New York, Connecticut, and Michigan between 12/15/2022 (check your pantry and kitchen cabinets!) and 5/13/2024.

The company stresses that the product was NOT sold online. To date, no illnesses have been reported. Consumers who have purchased ALB FLAVOR Ground Cinnamon are urged to dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

For more on the recall, check out the media alert on the FDA's website here.