SLR Food Distribution Inc., based in Hicksville, New York, has voluntarily recalled Wise Wife ground cinnamon over potential elevated lead levels. This announcement, made on Thursday, came through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The product in question is packaged in a clear plastic container, weighing 110g, with a black lid. Its UPC code is 0688474302754, found on the back label, and it has a best-before date of April 25, 2027.
This recall was prompted by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station's test results, which identified high levels of lead in the product sample.
SLR Food Distribution emphasized that the recall is a precautionary measure, and no illnesses related to this batch have been reported as of the announcement date.
The affected cinnamon was distributed between September 8, 2025, and June 28, 2026, across retail and grocery stores in 14 states: Connecticut, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
The FDA cautions that lead exposure can disrupt nearly every bodily system, with effects varying based on intake amount, exposure duration, age, and body weight.
Children are particularly at risk: prolonged exposure over weeks or months can result in irreversible harm to the central nervous system, potentially leading to learning disabilities and developmental issues.
In adults, short-term exposure to low levels might not manifest visible symptoms, though it could lead to elevated blood lead levels detectable by clinical tests.
The FDA and SLR Food Distribution advise consumers who possess this product not to consume it and either dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
This recall comes on the heels of another public health warning involving the same brand. In September 2026, the FDA highlighted a different batch of Wise Wife cinnamon, with a separate UPC of 0688474302853, which contained 2.49 parts per million of lead. This particular lot had been distributed in states including New Jersey, New York, Florida, Maryland, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Ohio from February 2024 to June 2025.
The issue of lead-contaminated cinnamon has a concerning history in the United States. In 2023, the recall of cinnamon-flavored applesauce from brands such as WanaBana, Weis, and Schnucks—linked to cinnamon with lead levels up to 5,110 parts per million—affected over 500 children nationwide, prompting the FDA to increase its oversight of these products.
Consumers with inquiries can reach out to SLR Food Distribution Inc. at 1-516-437-3782, available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, or email them at slrusaorder@gmail.com.
"Consumers should not consume the recalled product and should dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund," the FDA notice states.
FAQs on Wise Wife Cinnamon Recall
What should I do if I have the recalled Wise Wife cinnamon?
Do not consume the product. You should either dispose of it or return it to the store where you purchased it for a full refund.
How can lead exposure affect my health?
Lead exposure can impact almost every system in the body, with potential effects ranging based on the amount, duration, and individual factors like age and weight. Children are especially vulnerable to developmental and learning issues due to lead exposure.
How was the contamination discovered?
The contamination was identified through testing by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, which found elevated lead levels in the product sample.