A recent study shows that turmeric sourced in Bangladesh is sometimes adulterated with lead chromate (chrome yellow) to retain a bright yellow color. McCormick does not source turmeric from Bangladesh. For turmeric, intentional adulteration or certain environmental conditions can result in elevated levels of lead.
of Miami, FL, has also recalled several of its Turmeric and Curry brands due to lead levels. 377,000 pounds of various turmeric and curry powders sold under Blue Mountain (Amazon.com), Jamaica Choice, Ocho Rios, Oriental, and Grace (Walmart) brands have been recalled, as well as the brands they offer at Target.11 Oct 2016
How do I know if my turmeric has lead?
To detect the presence of lead chromate, mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder with water. If adulterated, it will immediately leak streaks of water-soluble colour. One of the easiest ways to check adulteration is to add a teaspoon of turmeric to a glass of warm water. Do not stir it and leave it still for a while.6 Sept 2017
Which turmeric has lead in it?
Product Recalls In the past several years, 13 brands of lead-contaminated turmeric have been recalled, all voluntarily. In 2011, companies based in Missouri and California initiated recalls of Archer Farms10 and Spice Hunter11 ground turmeric sold at stores nationwide because of excessive lead levels.
Does all turmeric powder have lead?
The allowable level of lead in turmeric powder is 2.5 ppm,24 10 ppm,38 and 2.5 ppm,33 according to these 3 agencies, respectively. Unlike agencies in Bangladesh and India, the FDA has not established a recommended maximum level for heavy metals (eg, lead, chromium) in spices in the United States.
Does turmeric contain heavy metals?
Turmeric is a brightly colored yellow spice with numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic. However, a recent study shows that the turmeric grown in Bangladesh can contain the highly poisonous heavy metal lead up to 500 time normal levels. There is no safe limit for lead consumption.25 Sept 2019
Do turmeric supplements contain heavy metals?
“That equals to 655 mg per capsule, and less than 10% of the product is turmeric 95% standardized extract,” NOW points out. In fact, only one non-NOW product out of 23 was found to contain fewer heavy metals than NOW's products.11 Aug 2021