High Lead Levels in Turmeric Cause Recalls Nationwide

Although there are many instances of unwanted substances found in commercial food, the universal assumption is still that food we buy at the grocery store doesn’t run the risk of poisoning us. Unfortunately, the FDA has announced that a New Jersey company, Gel Spice Inc., has recalled multiple turmeric brands due to excessive levels of lead in the products.

The recall initially started with the Fresh Finds brand found in Big Lots stores nationwide, but has since expanded to include the following brands and products, which are sold at a variety of retailers across the country:

Brand/Description and Net Weight	Lot/BB code	UPC NUMBER
Spice Select/8 oz	03/18/19	076114007730
Market Pantry/0.95 oz	05APR2019	085239211038
Gel/15 oz	04/18/19	076114800867
Gel/15 oz	05/16/19	076114800867
Clear Value /0.75oz	04/27/19	036800354920
Lieber’s/2 oz	05/13/19	043427006361
Spice Supreme/2 oz	05/17/19	076114364628

According to the FDA, “lead can accumulate in the body over time”, and consuming excess levels of lead can lead to delayed mental and physical development and learning deficiencies. The FDA also warns that children and pregnant women especially should avoid lead exposure.

Thankfully, the elevated lead levels were discovered through routine testing of the bulk turmeric that was used in all of the recalled products. The recalls were also issued before any illnesses related to the contaminated products had been reported. Of course, the FDA states that consumers who have purchased any of the above products should discard them.

Worth noting is the fact that the FDA rarely requires recalls themselves. Typically, the private company involved issues the recall, and the FDA announces it on the company’s behalf.

Though no illnesses have been reported as a result of this incident, it is a reminder of the importance of trusting where your food comes from—which is difficult to really do when you don’t know where it comes from, as is the case with most of the products at your grocery store. Being able to trust the food that you feed your family is just one of the many benefits of supporting your local farmers.

We want to hear what you think! Are you surprised? How do you think issues like this can be addressed or prevented in the future?