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Saturday, July 30, 2016

Revised - Recall Of Turmeric Spice Due to Elevated Lead Levels

Update - Aug 5  GelSpice and JM Exotic expands recalls for turmeric due to lead levels.


Update - Aug 2.  JM Exotic Foods, Inc. is recalling ground turmeric because samples from our supplier were found to contain elevated levels of lead.
Gel Spice, an "importer and manufacturer of spices, seeds, bakery ingredients and specialty items, is recalling turmeric after the State of NY found elevated lead levels. Evidently, lead contamination has been an issue in turmeric. There was an issue with turmeric and lead in 2013 as well.

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not set a specific limit on lead in spices, there is a limit of 0.1 PPM in candy. The Environmental Protections Agency (EPA) has stated that lead levels of 0.015 PPM in drinking water require treatment.

How does the lead get there? In a Harvard report in 2014 (?), they stated this about one of the main sources for turmeric - Bangladesh ( Pakistan spice was involved in 2013 recall): "The production of turmeric involves many different methods and they explained that it’s possible that the lead contamination could be originating during the manufacturing and distribution of the common spice. There has also been much speculation about the possibility that distributors could be intentionally adding lead to increase the weight of the spice, but the team stressed the point that further study is needed to fully understand the issue."

So when evaluating ingredients for hazards, consider lead as a chemical hazard in turmeric.

FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm513844.htm
Gel Spice, Inc. Issues Alert on Elevated Lead Levels in One Lot of Fresh Finds Ground Turmeric Powder
For Immediate Release
July 28, 2016

Contact
Consumers  Gel Spice, Inc.  (201) 564-0435

Announcement
View Product Photos


Gel Spice, Inc. is recalling one lot of Fresh Finds Ground Turmeric Powder because the product contains elevated lead levels.

The recalled “Fresh Finds Ground Turmeric” is packaged in 3.75 oz. PET jars. It has a code of B/B 03/08/19 and B/B 05/18/19 on the neck of the container.The package also has a UPC code of 81026-01230. The product was distributed at Big Lots Stores throughout the United States.

Routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ food inspectors and subsequent analysis of the product by the New York State Food Laboratory revealed the elevated level of lead.

No Illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

Lead can accumulate in the body over time. Too much can cause health problems, including delayed mental and physical development and learning deficiencies. Pregnant women, infants and young children especially should avoid exposure to lead. People concerned about blood lead levels should contact their physician or health clinic to ask about testing.

Consumers who have purchased “Fresh Finds Ground Turmeric” should discard the product. Consumers with questions about the recalled product may call (201) 564-0435.



FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm515105.htm
JM Exotic Foods, Inc. Recalls Ground Turmeric Due to Elevated Levels of Lead
For Immediate Release
August 2, 2016

Contact
Consumers Customer Service  (205) 699-2889

Announcement
View Product Photos


JM Exotic Foods, Inc. is recalling ground turmeric because samples from our supplier were found to contain elevated levels of lead.

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not set a specific limit on lead in spices, there is a limit of 0.1 PPM in candy. The Environmental Protections Agency (EPA) has stated that lead levels of 0.015 PPM in drinking water require treatment. Lead can accumulate in the body over time, and too much of it can cause serious and sometimes permanent adverse health consequences. No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recalled products:

Ground Turmeric, Item Number 1153, were packaged in 4 oz. clear plastic clamshells with the following codes:
Lot# 16131185
Lot# 16165184

Customers who have purchased this product are urged not to consume the product and should return it for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Customer Service at (205) 699-2889, Monday – Thursday (7am – 5pm CDT).




FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm515328.htm
Update: Gel Spice, Inc. Issues Expanded Recall of Ground Tumeric Powder Due to Elevated Lead Levels

For Immediate Release


August 5, 2016

Gel Spice, Inc. is expanding its recall of ground turmeric powder to include additional brands because of elevated lead levels. Lead can accumulate in the body over time. Too much can cause health problems, including delayed mental and physical development and learning deficiencies. Pregnant women, infants and young children especially should avoid exposure to lead. People concerned about blood lead levels should contact their physician or health clinic to ask about testing.

The additional products being recalled are identified in the table below.

Brand/Description and Net WeightLot/BB codeUPC 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


The products were distributed by various retailers throughout the United States.

Sampling and testing of another product, produced from the same bulk turmeric, revealed the elevated level of lead.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

Consumers who have purchased the ground turmeric powders identified above should discard the product. Consumers with questions about the recalled product may call (201) 564-0435 between the hours of 8 AM to 4 PM Eastern Time, Monday-Friday.




http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm515105.htm
Update: JM Exotic Foods, Inc. Recalls Ground Turmeric Due to Elevated Levels of Lead
For Immediate Release
August 5, 2016

Contact

Consumers

Customer Service
(205) 699-2889

Announcement
View Product Photos


JM Exotic Foods, Inc. is recalling ground turmeric because samples from our supplier were found to contain elevated levels of lead.

This product was solely distributed to a farmer’s market in Doraville, GA from May until August 2016.

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not set a specific limit on lead in spices, there is a limit of 0.1 PPM in candy. The Environmental Protections Agency (EPA) has stated that lead levels of 0.015 PPM in drinking water require treatment. Lead can accumulate in the body over time and too much of it can cause serious and sometimes permanent adverse health consequences. No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recalled products:

Ground Turmeric, Item Number 1153, were packaged in 4 oz. clear plastic clamshells with the following codes:
Lot# 16131185
Lot# 16165184

Customers who have purchased this product are urged not to consume the product and should return it for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Customer Service at (205) 699-2889, Monday – Thursday (7am – 5pm CDT).

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