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DSCP-FTW March 7, 2024 

ALFOODACT 2024-015 

MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD

SUBJECT: Colonna Brothers, Inc. Issues a Voluntary Recall for “1.5oz Marcum Ground 

Cinnamon & 2.25oz Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon” Because of Possible Health Risk 

Due to Elevated Lead Levels

1. REFERENCE: DHA-MSR 6025.01/AR 40-660/ DLAR 6025.01/NAVSUPINST 

10110.8D/AFI 48-161_IP/MCO 10110.38D, DOD Hazardous Food & Nonprescription Drug 

Recall System, 6 September 2018. 

2. COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENT: Colonna Brothers of North Bergen, NJ is recalling its 

1.5oz Marcum Ground Cinnamon & 2.25oz Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon because of a 

possible health risk due to elevated lead levels. Short term exposures to very low levels of lead 

may not elicit any symptoms. It is possible that increased blood lead levels may be the only 

apparent sign of lead exposure. Additional signs and symptoms of lead exposure are more likely 

with acute exposure to higher levels of lead or chronic exposure to lead. The effects depend upon 

the amount and duration of lead exposure and age/ body weight. If a child is exposed to enough 

lead for a protracted period of time (e.g., weeks to months) permanent damage to the central 

nervous system may occur. This can result in learning disorders, developmental defects, and 

other long-term health problems. For adults, chronic lead exposure is associated with kidney 

dysfunction, hypertension, and neurocognitive effects. 

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with these products. 

The recall was the result of a targeted sampling program of discount brands by the FDA, 

following heightened sensitivity around Cinnamon. Colonna Brothers is participating in this 

recall voluntarily as requested by the FDA. Colonna Brother’s has not violated any Federal 

guidelines/legislation/laws regarding levels of lead in Cinnamon/Spice nor any protocols 

requiring testing for heavy metals. The FDA is stating that the lot codes above contain elevated 

levels of lead that the FDA deems a potential health risk. 

Colonna Brothers has voluntarily ceased the production and distribution of all Cinnamon. 

3. PRODUCTS AFFECTED: The Cinnamon was distributed nationwide through retail stores 

and mail order. The products come in a clear plastic jar labeled with either “Marcum Cinnamon 
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Ground 1.5oz” or “Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon 2.25oz”. Only the following lot codes 

(found on the jar above the label - below the cap) were affected:

1.5oz Marcum Ground Cinnamon Best By:10/16/25 10DB

1.5oz Marcum Ground Cinnamon Best By: 04/06/25 0400B1

2.25oz Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon 09/29/25 09E8

2.25oz Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon 04/17/25 04E11

2.25oz Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon 12/19/25 12C2

2.25oz Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon 04/12/25 04ECB12

2.25oz Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon 08/24/25 08A

2.25oz Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon 04/21/25 04E5

2.25oz Supreme Tradition Ground Cinnamon 09/22/2025 09E20

4. PRODUCT LABELS/PICTURES: 

 
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5. CONTACT INFORMATION: Consumers who have purchased the Supreme Tradition 

Ground Cinnamon or Marcum Ground Cinnamon, with the lot codes listed above, can discard it 

or return it to the store for a full refund. Anyone concerned they may have been exposed to lead, 

should contact their healthcare provider to report their symptoms. Consumers with questions 

may contact us at 201-864-1115 between the hours of 9-5 EST.

6. POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE FINDINGS.

a. Army Veterinary Services and Air Force Public Health Personnel: Report negative and 

positive findings in the Veterinary Service Information Management System (VSIMS) 

Subsistence Recalls application. If you are not in one of these two groups, please use the 

instructions below (paragraphs b-d).

b. Navy: 

1) SHIPS AT SEA: Must report positive and negative findings to supporting Veterinary 

Service unit. Are authorized to destroy or dispose of recalled products utilizing the procedures 

and reporting requirements outlined in NAVSUP P-486 Paragraph 5302 and 6000(4), to include 

completion of a DD Form 200 and Standard Form 364. Procedures for completing the DD Form 

200 are found in NAVSUP P-486 Paragraph 6001. Procedures for completing Standard Form 

364 are found in NAVSUP P-486 Paragraph 5300(2)(c). 

2) SHIPS IN PORT/HOMEPORTED/ASHORE GALLEYS: Supporting Veterinary 

Service unit will conduct inspection and report positive and negative findings in VSIMS 

Subsistence Recalls application. Contact the appropriate DLA Account Manager via Regional 

NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center (NAVSUP FLC) to arrange pickup of recall items. Contact your 

supporting (NAVSUP FLC) for any issues regarding PV Pickup. Proceed with the same guidance 

in the paragraph above. 

c. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Contractors: Report positive and negative findings to 

your Contracting Officer, Contracting Specialist, TVLS, and dscpconssafofc@dla.mil within 72-

hours. Positive Response Information required: (Vendor must provide all the following 

information): 

1) ALFOODACT 202X-XXX 

2) DLA Contract Number: 

3) Unit of Measure:

4) Quantity Currently in Stock: 

5) List of customers that received product AND (a-h) for each customer: 

a) Customer name and location: 

b) DLA Purchase Order Number:

c) Vendor Invoice Number: 

d) Item Stock number (LSN, NSN): 

e) Quantity Shipped: 

f) Date Shipped: 
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g) Value of Affected Product:

h) Amount of credit due: 

d. AAFES, MWR, NEX, MCCS, DeCA, DLA, dining facilities, and all other agencies,

report your findings in accordance with the procedures outlined by your agency. 

7. If you know of others who need to receive Subsistence Recall messages, click Subscribe (Add 

the following to an email if the link does not work; Subject: Subscribe to Subsistence Recall 

Notifications, Email address: usarmy.jbsa.medcom.mbx.medcom-vsims@health.mil). If you no 

longer need to receive Subsistence Recall messages, click Unsubscribe (Add the following to an 

email if the link does not work; Subject: Unsubscribe from Subsistence Recall Notifications, 

Email address: usarmy.jbsa.medcom.mbx.medcom-vsims@health.mil).

8. Previous recalls are available on the DLA-TS Food Safety Office website: 

https://www.dla.mil/TroopSupport/Subsistence/FoodSafety/fso/ALFOODACT/. 

9. Point of contact for ALFOODACT messages is the undersigned at commercial telephone 215-

737-0329/DSN: 312-444-0329, or dscpconssafofc@dla.mil. 

 

LORENZO D. LEWIS JR.

Chief Warrant Officer Two, U.S. Army 

Consumer Safety Officer