ASTA Statement on FDA Cinnamon Recall
The following statement is attributable to Laura Shumow, executive director of the American Spice Trade Association (ASTA):
“The health, safety, and well-being of consumers is paramount, and ASTA takes the concerns raised by the FDA with the utmost seriousness. ASTA members applaud the FDA for steps it has taken in recent months to increase the testing and screening of cinnamon. And while we fully support the agency’s decision to remove from discount store shelves products that exceed accepted international regulatory standards and ASTA’s own guidance levels for lead in cinnamon, these recalls further highlight the need for FDA to establish action levels to facilitate industry compliance.
“ASTA has been actively engaged in discussions with the FDA over many months to thoroughly understand the nature and scope of this and previous recalls, ensuring industry cooperation. We value our collaborative working relationship with the FDA and our shared goal of taking necessary measures to safeguard public health. We look forward to continuing to be a resource for the FDA in promoting good manufacturing practices and supporting the agency’s Closer to Zero initiative.
“We understand and appreciate the concerns consumers may have about the safety of spices, including cinnamon given recent product recalls. That’s why ASTA members are fully committed to taking accountable, decisive, and transparent action to maintain, protect, and uphold the highest standards of spice quality and safety.”
Media Contact:
Laura Shumow, Executive Director, ASTA
[email protected]
Related Resources
Memo to ASTA Membership on Consumer Reports Testing Methodology
This memo, issued November 17, 2021, and updated December 1, 2021, provides information for the ASTA membership regarding a Consumer Reports article published on November 9, 2021, titled "Your Herbs and Spices Might Contain Arsenic, Cadmium, and Lead."
Technical Report - An Extended Study on the Fractionation and Characterization of Lead-Enriched Lichens on Cassia Tree Bark
In 2026, ASTA collaborated with academic and industry partners in Vietnam to conduct a follow-up study expanding upon 2025 research investigating the potential role of lichen and moss present on the outermost bark layer of Vietnamese cassia in relation to heavy metal contamination. By comparing lead concentrations in bark, underlying wood, and surface-growing lichen, the study confirmed that lichen function as bioaccumulators, effectively capturing airborne dust and heavy metal particulates from the surrounding environment. These findings indicate that lead contamination is primarily a surface issue, suggesting that the issue is manageable through targeted mitigation strategies, including lichen removal prior to cassia processing. As next steps, researchers will evaluate technical approaches for lichen removal, assess seasonal variability in lead accumulation, identify potential sources of airborne lead, and support the development of enhanced pre-processing standards and best practices.
