Lead Levels In 'Golden Spice Of India's Cuisine' Crosses Over Safety Limits

Tumeric, considered the golden spice of Indian cooking, find a common mention when chefs are asked to talk about this south Asian nation's cooking practices. This spice is rich in curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant that aids in combating oxidative stress, and inflammation. This ayurvedic yellow-hued spice has proven to beneficial for everyone's health. So, what are the health concerns linked to this highly popular spice. Check out how, and why. FSSAI found higher than permissible lead content in turmeric samples in Guwahati, Chennai, and Patna. Image credit: PinterestAs per a study published in Science of The Total Environment journal, samples of turmeric from Patna extending up to Karachi and Peshawar has shown to have alarming levels of lead, exceeding 1,000 microgram/gram (μg/g).According to the standards set by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the limit also exceeded in samples from Guwahati and Chennai. The study further mentioned that the most likely source of lead in turmeric samples was lead chromate, a yellow pigment used in paints, rubber, plastics and ceramic coatings.The FSSAI (Contaminants, Toxins And Residues), Regulations 2011, states the allowed limit of lead in turmeric whole, and powder to be 10ug/g. According to the study, consuming turmeric with lead at higher than stipulated levels leads to lead poisoning, known to be extremely dangerous for adults, and children alike. Researchers had analyzed turmeric samples collected from 23 major cities across India, Pakistan , Sri Lanka and Nepal during December 2020 and March 2021. Tumeric has been a common staple in Indian cuisine for over 4,000 years.What did the analysis reveal? Polished turmeric roots were reportedly found in lead, considered a heavy metal known to mimic calcium, which is stored in bone. These roots were found to be most contaminated, followed by loose powder, packaged branded powder and unpolished roots. In India and Pakistan, the permissible levels of lead are similar for both loose and packaged turmeric.

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Lead Levels In 'Golden Spice Of India's Cuisine' Crosses Over Safety Limits

FSSAI found higher than permissible lead content in turmeric samples in Guwahati, Chennai, and Patna.

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