Spices are often considered a healthier alternative to seasoning food with too much salt or fat. But according to one study, lead exposure from some spices and herbs may result in health issues. Potential sources for these contaminants are difficult to find, and contaminated consumer products are a scary proposition for the future of our children. Elevated blood lead levels may lead to all sorts of adverse health effects, and any heavy metal poisoning is serious enough to warrant an investigation.
Heavy Metals and Health
Heavy metals pose a significant threat to human health and well-being, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. Exposure to even small amounts of heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium can lead to a host of health issues, including developmental delays, hypertension, and weakened immune systems. In children, exposure to heavy metals can impair cognitive function and lead to behavioral problems.
According to a study published in the Journal of Environmental Science and Health, exposure to heavy metals can also affect adult brain function, leading to decreased cognitive abilities and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Heavy metals can accumulate in the body over time, and once they enter the body, they are difficult to remove. This makes it crucial to limit our exposure to heavy metals as much as possible.
Heavy metal contamination can occur through various environmental exposures and may come in the form of occupational lead hazards, such as industrial processes and the use of pesticides. In agriculture, for example, heavy metals can enter the food supply chain through contaminated soil or water, leading to the consumption of contaminated foods. It is, therefore, essential to pay attention to the primary sources of our food and ensure that it comes from areas free from chemical contaminants.
By adopting healthy food habits and consuming food from areas with low levels of heavy metal contamination, we can reduce our exposure to harmful elements such as lead and cadmium. This can help minimize the risk of potential illnesses associated with heavy metal intake and protect the health of both adults and children.
A Thorough Study of Lead In Spices
The report, released in 2019 in the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, looked at lead poisoning cases linked to spices bought overseas and provided guidance on making sure your spices are safe to eat.
Paromita Hore, Ph.D., MPH, and associates at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, examined consumer product exposure to lead. Between 2008 and 2017, they analyzed over 3,000 samples of consumer products for detectable lead concentrations. The research team discovered that spices acquired abroad posed the greatest threat of exposing consumers to lead. The products were a part of surveys of nearby stores and lead poisoning cases. A recent test on spices involved 1,500 samples from 41 different nations.
Shockingly, lead was found in over 50% of the spice sample. The permitted limit for lead in some food additives is two parts per million (ppm), and more than 30% of samples had lead contents over that level. The lead concentration of spices bought abroad was higher than those purchased in the U.S. For example, the average lead content of locally produced turmeric and Georgian kharcho suneli purchased in New York City was less than two ppm. However, the average concentration of those identical spices from abroad was above 50 ppm.
The highest lead concentrations were found in spices acquired in Georgia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Morocco. However, most tainted spices were packaged in unlabeled containers without brand names. The yellow floral spice known as kviteli kvavili from Georgia contained the highest lead levels. Turmeric, hot pepper, chili powder, and paprika were a few more examples of tainted spices imported from other countries.
The authors stress that people in public health and the medical field should be aware that spices may increase the risk of lead exposure and, therefore, should screen at-risk populations.
Avoiding Lead Exposure
Lead exposure from spices is a long-standing issue. Contamination studies have been carried out in the past. A 2017 report that cited a spice recall from 2011 identified turmeric as a spice of concern. Ports can hold cargo coming from specific importers, according to an import alert released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They targeted turmeric imported from Bangladesh and India.
Kim Gaetz, a North Carolina-based public health epidemiologist, advised:
“Based on what the data are showing us so far, buying spices in the U.S. instead of online or when traveling overseas seems to be an excellent way to protect yourself because the spices that have been legally imported into the U.S. at least have the chance of going through heavy metal screening upon import.
Almost all spices are imported, but the lead levels seem to be highest in those that were actually purchased outside of the U.S.”
According to the most recent update to this import alert (2022), shipments of spices that were contaminated because they included high amounts of lead were still being imported into the United States. In 2021, four shipments were rejected because lead levels in spices were considered harmful to human health.
A Global Issue
The study’s authors stress that people must understand that spice contamination is a global concern. “Overall, a solely localized or national approach to address spice contamination will not be adequate, as the global problem,” they said. However, the “mainstream” U.S. spice market, which includes well-known brands and companies that work with well-known food corporations, hasn’t shown any signs of having excessive lead levels.
According to Laura Shumow, executive director of the American Spice Trade Association (ASTA), case studies have shown that families that bought spices from countries such as Pakistan, India, and the Republic of Georgia had elevated lead levels. However, she recognizes that the environment naturally contains low quantities of lead. Although the FDA hasn’t established a limit for lead in spices, Shumow claims ASTA would be in favor of the move.
Safe Spices and Fresh Herbs
Shumow advises against getting alarmed over spices. “Consumers should feel confident in the quality of their spices if they are purchasing spices represented by major brands sold at reputable retailers. Major brands source spices from around the world and have appropriate systems in place to ensure the quality and safety of their product,” she said.
The “Plant-Powered Dietitian,” Sharon Palmer, RDN, advises people to continue eating herbs and spices because they benefit our health. “You can also grow a lot of herbs yourself and purchase them locally,” she recommended.
As for the lead problem, Palmer urges people to buy as many spices locally as they can because it primarily affects imported spices.
Gaetz suggests having your children’s blood lead levels tested annually if you consume widely contaminated spices like turmeric, chili, and paprika, especially if they are under six years old. Additionally, parents should let their pediatricians know if they have given their kids any herbal remedies.
