According to recent research, lead levels in turmeric sold in India, Pakistan, and Nepal are dangerously high, with some samples containing lead concentrations far exceeding safety standards. Lead levels in turmeric samples from major cities, including Patna, Karachi, and Peshawar, were well above 1,000 micrograms per gram (μg/g), according to the study, which was published in Science of The Total Environment. According to experts, this is now a major public health concern, especially for youngsters in the area.
High Lead Levels in Major Cities
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) sets the maximum permissible lead levels in turmeric at 10 μg/g. However, recent research found that 14% of turmeric samples from places such as Patna, Guwahati, Chennai, Karachi, and Peshawar surpassed this limit. Patna had the highest lead levels, with one sample measuring 2,274 μg/g. Lead contamination was found most frequently in polished turmeric roots, followed by loose powder, packaged branded powder, and unpolished roots. The study found that loose, uncontrolled turmeric variants were more prone to adulteration than packed ones.
The most likely cause of the lead contamination, according to the researchers, was lead chromate, a yellow pigment frequently found in paints and coatings. To improve the color and weight of subpar turmeric roots, lead chromate is frequently added illegally. This method has been connected to lead poisoning cases in Bangladesh and the US.
Health Risks of Lead Contamination
Consuming turmeric tainted with lead causes serious health hazards, particularly for children. Even at low concentrations, lead exposure is known to disrupt brain development and increase the risk of heart disease, renal failure, and early mortality. Research found that even a blood lead level of 10 µg/L can result in a one-point IQ decrease in children. Researchers also warned that even low amounts of lead might trigger behavioral and learning problems.
An estimated 413 million children worldwide have blood lead levels higher than 100 µg/L, and 815 million have levels higher than 50 µg/L. No amount of lead exposure is deemed safe, according to the World Health Organisation. Indeed, exposure to lead at levels as low as 3.5 µg/dL can cause serious behavioral and cognitive problems in kids.
Source and Regional Findings
The study, which lasted from December 2020 to March 2021, examined 356 turmeric samples gathered from 23 cities in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. It was found that 14% of the samples had lead levels in turmeric exceeding 2 μg/g, and 7% exceeded the regulatory limit of 10 μg/g set by India. Some samples from Patna, Guwahati, and Karachi contained lead levels exceeding 1,000 μg/g, with Patna’s turmeric having the highest quantity at 2,274 μg/g.
In India, the majority of turmeric comes from Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, but the research also discovered that turmeric grown in Bihar, specifically in Patna and Guwahati, was frequently associated with higher lead levels. Punjab was the source of the majority of Pakistan’s turmeric samples. These geographical variances indicate notable distinctions in farming methods and supply chain problems that lead to contamination.
The Need for Urgent Action
Experts are calling for immediate action to address the widespread issue of lead levels in turmeric. The study’s authors recommend that future research focus on understanding how lead chromate enters the turmeric supply chain as well as discovering the reasons that drive its illicit application. They also emphasize the importance of stricter laws and the effective implementation of standards for food safety.
This study emphasizes the necessity of ensuring that food items like turmeric are safe to consume. FSSAI laws require turmeric to be free of lead chromate, yet the prevalence of contamination reveals significant shortcomings in monitoring and enforcement.
Consumers in India, Pakistan, and Nepal are being cautioned to be careful while buying turmeric due to the inspection of food safety regulations. According to the research, “Further investigation and strict regulation are necessary to tackle the issue and safeguard the health of the region’s population.”
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