Lead Levels in Spices From Market Basket and Home Lead Investigation Samples in North Carolina

Abstract

Objectives: Lead investigators in North Carolina found evidence that contaminated spices may contribute to children’s elevated blood lead levels. We compared lead levels in samples of spices and other consumable products by country of purchase to inform consumer safety interventions and regulations. Methods: From February 1, 2011, through October 22, 2020, North Carolina lead investigators sampled spices and other consumable products from 103 homes of children with confirmed elevated blood lead levels. In 2017, the study team purchased 50 products frequently sampled during lead investigations, as a “market basket” sample, from local stores in or near Raleigh, North Carolina. The State Laboratory of Public Health analyzed 423 product samples using mass spectrometry. We extracted environmental sample results from lead investigations from the North Carolina Electronic Lead Surveillance System. Results: The median market basket lead result was 0.07 mg/kg (SD = 0.17); the maximum lead result was 0.88 mg/kg. The median home lead investigation sample result was 0.26 mg/kg (SD = 489.44); the maximum lead result was 6504.00 mg/kg in turmeric purchased in India. Among all samples, products purchased in India had more than triple the median lead levels (0.71 mg/kg) of those purchased in the United States (0.19 mg/kg). Conclusions: Purchasing spices in the United States is an action that consumers can take that may reduce their lead poisoning risk. Regulatory agencies should consider a lead limit of <1 mg/kg as attainable for spices sold in US stores and for ingredients of any foods that may be consumed by children.

The American Spice Trade Association’s response to New York State’s new regulatory policies for heavy metals in spices

“…According to [13] spices purchased abroad directly by consumers were three times more likely to exceed the reference level of 2 ppm than spices purchased domestically (45% versus 13%, respectively). This observation is supported by studies that showed that turmeric sold in local Bangladeshi markets had higher lead levelsdue to adulteration with lead chromatethan product exported to foreign markets [12] and that purchasing spices in the U.S. may lower consumer lead poisoning risk compared to purchasing spices abroad [1]. Therefore, these studies show that spices purchased in the U.S. are demonstrated to have notably lower levels than those purchased in foreign markets, highlighting the success that U.S. importers and regulators have had in implementing standards to keep heavy metal levels in spices on the U.S.…”

A Snapshot of Lead in Consumer Products Across Four US Jurisdictions

“…42 Reports from other US jurisdictions also suggest a similar pattern, where elevated lead concentrations are more likely to be found in imported products. 16 , 20 , 25 , 56 , 79 …”

Childhood Lead Exposure Linked to Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree Pouches — North Carolina, June 2023–January 2024

“…Although lead-contaminated paint, water, dust, and soil are the most recognized lead hazards, other products have been found to contain lead, including candies, spices, ceremonial powders, and alternative medicines ( 7 – 9 ). As older houses containing lead-based paint are renovated or demolished, environmental sources have become less frequent.…”