Marcum Ground Cinnamon and Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon recalled due to elevated lead levels
Colonna Brothers of North Bergen, New Jersey, is recalling certain lots of its Marcum Ground Cinnamon and Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon because of a possible health risk due to elevated lead levels, according to a Department of Defense All Food and Drug Activity message sent March 7.
Short-term exposure to very low levels of lead may not elicit any symptoms. It is possible that increased blood lead levels may be the only apparent sign of lead exposure. Additional signs and symptoms of lead exposure are more likely with acute exposure to higher levels of lead or chronic exposure to lead. The effects depend upon the amount and duration of lead exposure and age/body weight. 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 Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) has publicized this recall to all its stores, said Richard Stith, chief, public health division, DeCA Headquarters and Support Center at Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia. Whenever a commissary has recalled or withdrawn products in its inventory, they are immediately removed from store shelves.
The following products are affected by this recall:
- Marcum Ground Cinnamon 1.5 ounces: best by date: Oct. 16, 2025 and lot code: 10DB
- Marcum Ground Cinnamon 1.5 ounces: best by date: April 6, 2025 and lot code: 0400B1
- Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon 2.25 ounces: best by date: Sept. 29, 2025 and lot code: 09E8
- Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon 2.25 ounces: April 17, 2025 and lot code: 04E11
- Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon 2.25 ounces: Dec. 19, 2025 and lot code: 12C2
- Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon 2.25 ounces: April 12, 2025 and lot code: 04ECB12
- Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon 2.25 ounces: Aug. 24, 2025 and lot code: 08A
- Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon 2.25 ounces: April 21, 2025 and lot code: 04E5
- Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon 2.25 ounces: Sept. 22, 2025 and lot code: 09E20.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with these products.
Customers should return this product to the commissary of purchase for a full refund. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions or injury due to consumption of these products.
Consumers who have purchased the Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon or Marcum Ground Cinnamon, with the lot codes listed above, can discard it or return it to the store for a full refund. Anyone concerned they may have been exposed to lead, should contact their healthcare provider to report their symptoms. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 201-864-1115 between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. eastern standard time.