Raja Foods LLC of Skokie, Il, is recalling its 3.5-ounce packages of “Swad Cinnamon Powder” because it has the potential to be contaminated with lead. 

The products included in this recall are, Swad Brand Cinnamon Powder in clear plastic 3.5 OZ bags, UPC 0-51179-34280-4, from either of the following two batches and Best Before Dates: Batch KX21223 Best Before July 2026 and Batch KX08123 Best Before March 2026.

Product was distributed through retail grocery stores in the Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast regions of the United States, according to the recall notice from the company and posted by the Food and Drug Administration. The recall is the result of a routine sampling program by the FDA.

Consumers who have purchased “Swad Cinnamon Powder 3.5OZ” are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 847-972-2865.

The sampling program that discovered the elevated levels of lead in the Swad brand ground cinnamon is in response to the problem with elevated levels of lead in cinnamon in children’s applesauce and recalls of products in the fall of 2023. The FDA issued warnings on March 6 about the Swad cinnamon and several other brands, some of which are being recalled.

The products are not targeted toward children, but are used as ingredients in foods that consumers may make and serve to children.

“Consistent with the agency’s Closer to Zero initiative, which focuses on reducing childhood exposure to lead, the agency is recommending voluntary recall of the products because prolonged exposure to the products may be unsafe. Removing the ground cinnamon products in this alert from the market will prevent them from contributing elevated amounts of lead to the diets of children,” according to the FDA warning.

about lead poisoning
Parents and caretakers should consult a healthcare provider and ask for blood tests if they suspect a child may have been exposed to the recalled cinnamon applesauce products. 

Short-term exposure to lead could result in the following symptoms: headache, abdominal pain/colic, vomiting, and anemia. 

Longer-term exposure could result in additional symptoms: irritability, lethargy, fatigue, muscle aches or muscle prickling/burning, constipation, difficulty concentrating/muscular weakness, tremors, and weight loss. 

Permanent consequences can lead to developmental delays and brain damage.