WASHINGTON, DC — Ground cinnamon sold by U.S. discount retailers, including Dollar Tree and Family Dollar, is contaminated with high levels of lead, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

The agency issued a public health alert, cautioning consumers against purchasing ground cinnamon from six brands. The affected products should be discarded. There is no safe level of lead exposure for humans, especially for growing children.

The affected brands include: La Fiesta sold by La Superior and SuperMercados; Marcum, sold by Save A Lot stores; MK, sold by SF Supermarket; Swad, sold by Patel Brothers; El Chilar, sold by La Joya Morelense; and Supreme Tradition, sold by Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores.

Both Dollar Tree and Family Dollar have removed the affected cinnamon products from their store shelves, and customers can return them to nearby stores for a refund. No health effects have been reported in connection with this alert.