**UPDATED Gel Spice Recall August 5, 2016**
On August 5, 2016, Gel Spice, Inc. expanded 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 Weight | Lot/BB code | UPC 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, 8am-4pm (ET), Monday-Friday.
The original Gel Spice recall from July 29, 2016 is included at the end of this article.
Turmeric has been growing in popularity, for its spiciness and purported health benefits. Cooks using turmeric for either reason may want to check their pantry to ensure they don’t have any of these recalled brand of turmeric.
To read more about turmeric’s origins and uses, visit this page or check out this NPR segment.
Additional Recall on August 5, 2016
JM Exotic Foods, Inc. also recalled their ground turmeric because samples from their 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 JM Exotic Foods products are:
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 regarding this brand’s recall may contact Customer Service at 205.699.2889, 7am-5pm (CDT), , Monday-Thursday.
Gel Spice, Inc. Issues Alert on Elevated Lead Levels in One Lot of Fresh Finds Ground Turmeric Powder
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. Questions about the recalled product should be directed to 201.564.0435.
