SLR Food Distribution is recalling the Wise Wife brand of cinnamon over fears its jarred spice may be contaminated with elevated levels of lead.
Newsweek reached out to the company via phone Friday night and left a message.
Numerous public health alerts and recalls have been initiated this year because of the potential for damaged products, foodborne illness, contamination and undeclared food allergens.
Millions of Americans experience food sensitivities or allergies every year. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the nine "major" food allergens in the United States are eggs, milk, fish, wheat, soybeans, crustacean shellfish, sesame, tree nuts and peanuts.
Health officials warn these contaminants pose serious health risks, particularly for young children, due to the long-term effects of lead exposure.
"If a child is exposed to enough lead for a protracted period of time (e.g., weeks to months) permanent damage to the central nervous system may occur. This can result in learning disorders, developmental defects, and other long-term health problems. For adults, chronic lead exposure is associated with kidney dysfunction, hypertension, and neurocognitive effects," the alert warns in part.
The alert notes that the product was distributed from February 15, 2024, to June 28, 2025, to retailers in New Jersey, New York, Florida, Maryland, Minnesota, Oklahoma and Ohio.
The recalled product is packaged in 1.76-ounce clear plastic jars with black lids. The UPC code number is 0 688474 302853 and visible on the back label, the recall notes.
In the alert in part: "The recall was the result of an analysis conducted by the United States Food and Drug Administration that revealed the product contained elevated levels of lead. The last sales order of the product was distributed on 6/28/25 and the product is no longer being sold by SLR Food Distribution, Inc."
In an email to Newsweek in January, the FDA said: "Most recalls in the U.S. are carried out voluntarily by the product manufacturer and when a company issues a public warning, typically via news release, to inform the public of a voluntary product recall, the FDA shares that release on our website as a public service.
"The FDA's role during a voluntary, firm-initiated, recall is to review the recall strategy, evaluate the health hazard presented by the product, monitor the recall, and as appropriate alert the public and other companies in the supply chain about the recall.
"The FDA provides public access to information on recalls by posting a listing of recalls according to their classification in the FDA Enforcement Report, including the specific action taken by the recalling company. The FDA Enforcement Report is designed to provide a public listing of products in the marketplace that are being recalled."
Additional information on recalls can be found via the FDA's Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts.
The alert advises people who have purchased the recalled cinnamon to return it to the original place of purchase for a refund.
Those with additional questions may contact the company via phone at 516-437-3782.