Lucky Foods Recalls Cinnamon Powder Over Elevated Lead Levels

BROOKLYN, NY (December 09, 2025) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a nationwide recall of Lucky Foods brand Cinnamon Powder after testing revealed elevated levels of lead. According to the FDA, TBC Distribution Corporate issued the recall following an analysis conducted by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSAGM), which confirmed the contamination.

Lucky Foods recall: quick summary

Lucky Foods brand Cinnamon Powder 40g has been recalled after testing identified elevated levels of lead, a heavy metal that poses significant health risks, particularly for children and pregnant individuals. The product, distributed between April and September 2025 across more than a dozen states, is packaged in a brown-labeled 40g pouch marked with a best-before date of 15.09.2027. According to the FDA, no illnesses have been reported so far, but consumers are urged not to consume the affected product. The company has since stopped working with the supplier responsible for the contaminated cinnamon.

What happened?

The recall was announced on December 9, 2025, after NYSAGM laboratory testing revealed that Lucky Foods brand Cinnamon Powder contained elevated levels of lead. According to the FDA, TBC Distribution Corporate initiated the recall immediately upon receiving the results. The company sells a variety of imported grocery products, including spices, seasonings, and packaged foods, distributed widely across U.S. retail channels.

The cinnamon powder (sold in a 40g vacuum or modified-atmosphere pouch labeled with the Lucky Foods brand name) was distributed to grocery stores, convenience stores, supermarkets, delis, bakeries, and restaurants in CA, FL, GA, IL, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, and TX. The affected product lists a best-before date of 15.09.2027, located on the bottom of the back label.

“In its recall alert, the FDA warned that ‘increased blood lead levels may be the only apparent sign of exposure, and children may suffer permanent neurological damage with prolonged intake.’”
The agency also noted that “lead exposure can affect nearly every organ system depending on the dose and duration.”

Affected products

Brand	Product	Size	Best before date	Issue	States affected
Lucky Foods	Cinnamon Powder	40g	15.09.2027	Elevated lead levels	CA, FL, GA, IL, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, TX

What caused the issue?

According to the FDA notice, routine testing by NYSAGM revealed the elevated lead levels. The agency confirmed that the supplier used by TBC Distribution Corporate was the likely source of contamination. Company officials stated they have “ceased working with the supplier” responsible.

Lead exposure carries serious health risks. Children may experience developmental delays, learning difficulties, and neurological damage. Adults may experience kidney dysfunction, hypertension, and cognitive effects. No illnesses have been reported.

Here’s what you should do

• Do not consume the product.
• Check the bottom back label for the best before date 15.09.2027.
• Identify the 40g brown-labeled Lucky Foods pouch.
• Contact the brand at 718-444-5556, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. ET for refunds or additional instructions.

Behind the brand

TBC Distribution Corporate is a Brooklyn-based importer and distributor of packaged foods and spices. The company has not released a public statement beyond its recall alert, which confirms it “has ceased distribution of the affected product” and is cooperating with regulators. Source86 reached out to the company for additional details about supplier oversight practices, but has not yet received a response.

Other relevant recalls

Several spice-related recalls linked to elevated lead levels have emerged in recent months, including actions involving Shata Traders Inc.’s Chef Brand Milk Pan, Venzu Traders’ cinnamon powder, and Town Food Service Equipment Co. Aluminum Saucepans. These cases reflect a broader pattern of lead contamination concerns across the spice category.

Philip J. Landrigan (pediatrician, epidemiologist) — “In children, we now know there is no safe level of lead in the human body. The appropriate blood lead level in a child is zero. Even very low levels of exposure … can damage [their] brains.”

Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, added: “Food safety isn’t just about compliance; it’s about trust. Every recall reminds us how vital it is to maintain transparency, rigorous checks, and supplier accountability.”

Ensuring safe eats

This recall highlights ongoing challenges within the spice supply chain, particularly around ingredient testing and supplier compliance. Consumers should check their pantries carefully and follow recall instructions.

At Source86, we help food brands manage ingredient sourcing, FSQA oversight, and private-label production with transparency and precision, ensuring that when recalls occur, supply chains are ready to respond quickly. Let’s talk.

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