HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. (September 24, 2026): The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that Galil Importing Corp is recalling Lior Cinnamon Ground Seasoning because of elevated lead levels. Specifically, the recall involves one lot of ground cinnamon distributed to retailers in six states.
Lior recall: quick summary
Galil Importing Corp recalled 90 g containers of Lior Cinnamon Ground Seasoning after testing identified elevated lead levels in a product sample. According to the recall notice, the affected cinnamon carries UPC 794711005484 and lot code GAP11304 and was distributed in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Florida, and Illinois. So far, no illnesses have been reported.
Official recall details
- Recall announcement date: September 24, 2026
- FDA publication date: September 24, 2026
- Announced by: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Company: Galil Importing Corp
- Brand: Lior
- Product: Cinnamon Ground Seasoning
- Issue: Elevated levels of lead
- Package size: 90 g transparent plastic container
- UPC: 794711005484
- Lot code: GAP11304
- Distribution: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Florida, and Illinois
- Distribution period: November 18, 2025, through September 7, 2026
- Consumer action: Do not consume the product. Discard it or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
- Consumer contact: Galil Importing Corp at 1-516-496-7400, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET
What happened?
Galil Importing Corp initiated the voluntary recall after a sample the Maryland Department of Health collected and analyzed showed elevated lead levels. In response, the company notified customers to stop distributing and selling the affected cinnamon and place remaining inventory on hold.
Specifically, the recall covers Lior Cinnamon Ground Seasoning sold in transparent 90 g containers. Consumers can find lot code GAP11304 on the side of the container beneath the ingredient line.
In addition, the company distributed the cinnamon to retail stores, grocery stores, delis, and supermarkets across six states from November 2025 through September 2026. So far, according to the FDA-posted announcement, no illnesses have been reported.
Affected products
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Lot code | Issue | Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lior | Cinnamon Ground Seasoning | 90 g | 794711005484 | GAP11304 | Elevated lead levels | NY, NJ, PA, TX, FL, IL |
What caused the issue?
The Maryland Department of Health identified elevated lead levels after collecting and analyzing a sample of the cinnamon. However, the recall announcement does not explain how lead entered the product or identify a confirmed root cause.
In response to the finding, Galil Importing Corp said it has started a supplier investigation and implemented enhanced testing and supplier verification measures to prevent a recurrence.
Meanwhile, lead exposure does not always produce immediate symptoms, particularly at very low levels. According to the FDA, lead can affect nearly every bodily system, although the effects depend on factors including exposure amount, duration, age, and body weight. In particular, prolonged exposure in children can cause permanent central nervous system damage and contribute to learning and developmental problems.
Supply Chain Insight
“When a problem emerges with a widely used ingredient like ground cinnamon, a fast response depends on clear communication across the supply chain,” said Eran Mizrahi, CEO at Source86.
“Suppliers, distributors, and customers need timely information about the affected product so they can make inventory decisions, stop further movement where necessary, and coordinate the response without creating unnecessary disruption.”
Here’s what you should do
Consumers who have Lior Cinnamon Ground Seasoning should:
- Do not consume the recalled cinnamon.
- Check for UPC 794711005484.
- Look for lot code GAP11304 on the side of the container under the ingredient line.
- Discard the affected product or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
- Contact Galil Importing Corp at 1-516-496-7400, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, with recall questions.
Behind the brand
Galil Brands traces its roots to a family-founded New York business established in 1985. The company says it works with retailers, distributors, and foodservice operators and sources products through a global network.
Lior is part of the Galil Brands portfolio. According to the company’s website, the Lior range includes spices, salts, tahini, halva, date syrup, couscous, grains, baking products, and sunflower seeds.
Other relevant recalls
- Wholesome Pantry Recalls Organic Unsweetened Apple Sauce Over Elevated Patulin Levels
- GF Blends Recalls Truly AIP and EAT G.A.N.G.S.T.E.R. Mixes Over Undeclared Wheat Gluten
- So Delicious Dairy Free Recalls Salted Caramel Cluster Frozen Dessert Over Foreign Material
Regulatory context
The Lior recall comes amid continued regulatory attention to lead in ground cinnamon. In recent years, the FDA has continued to monitor cinnamon through federal and state testing efforts following earlier incidents involving elevated lead levels in cinnamon products.
As part of those efforts, the agency has also emphasized the role of supply chain controls. In particular, FDA officials have identified end-product testing and importer oversight under the Foreign Supplier Verification Program as tools that can help address chemical contaminant risks in cinnamon and other imported foods.
For manufacturers and importers, the incident highlights the value of combining supplier qualification, clear ingredient specifications, contaminant testing, and traceability. Together, these controls can help businesses identify potential problems before affected ingredients move further through production and distribution.
Ensuring safe eats
Lead contamination presents a particular challenge because exposure may occur without obvious immediate symptoms. Preventing contaminated ingredients from entering the supply chain therefore depends heavily on proactive controls rather than consumer detection.
To reduce these risks, food businesses can strengthen supplier verification, contaminant testing, documentation, and traceability when sourcing spices and other ingredients. Consumers, meanwhile, should check their cinnamon and stop using the affected Lior lot.
Lead in cinnamon has become a recurring issue for imported ground spices, and Source86 requires heavy-metal test results by lot before releasing any bulk spice to a customer. Buying bulk cinnamon or other ground spices? Ask for our heavy-metal testing protocol.
