A Brooklyn food distributor has issued a multi-state recall of a cinnamon product after state officials discovered dangerously high levels of lead contamination, prompting health warnings across 14 states.
TBC Distribution Corporate announced the recall of its Lucky Foods brand Cinnamon Powder following test results from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. Inspectors determined that the spice contained elevated levels of lead, triggering an immediate halt to sales and distribution. The recall notice was published Tuesday by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The affected cinnamon was distributed between April 11 and Sept. 1 to a wide variety of retailers, including grocery and convenience stores, delis, bakeries, supermarkets, and restaurants. Impacted states include California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas.
The recalled product is sold in 40-gram vacuum-sealed or modified-atmosphere pouches featuring a brown label. Consumers can identify the product by checking the best-before date—listed as Sept. 15, 2027—printed on the bottom of the back label.
Health officials stress that anyone who purchased the product should not consume it. TBC Distribution is urging customers to discard the cinnamon immediately and contact the company for further instructions or refunds. The distributor can be reached at 718-444-5556, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time.
The recall is particularly concerning because of the well-documented dangers associated with lead exposure. According to medical experts at the Mayo Clinic, lead poisoning occurs when the toxic metal accumulates in the body, often over months or years. Even minimal exposure can cause significant health issues, and young children are especially vulnerable.
Children under six face the greatest risks, as lead can severely affect brain development and physical growth. Symptoms of lead poisoning in children may include developmental delays, learning problems, irritability, fatigue, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, hearing issues, and seizures. At extremely high levels, lead exposure can be fatal.
Pregnant women exposed to lead may face additional complications. Lead absorption during pregnancy can result in premature birth, reduced birth weight, or impaired growth in newborns. Adults may also experience serious symptoms, including elevated blood pressure, abdominal pain, headaches, memory or concentration difficulties, joint and muscle pain, and mood changes.
As of the latest reports, no illnesses have been linked to the contaminated cinnamon. However, health agencies emphasize that lead poisoning often goes unnoticed until levels become dangerously high, underscoring the importance of avoiding consumption.
In response to the discovery, TBC Distribution Corporate announced that it has severed ties with the supplier responsible for providing the tainted cinnamon. The company has not released the supplier’s name but said it is cooperating with regulators as the investigation continues.
The FDA has encouraged consumers and retailers to remain cautious, check their inventories, and report any concerns related to the recalled product.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
