Lead, arsenic and cadmium can contaminate spices routinely used in cooking. The U.S. consumer association Consumer Reports found heavy metals, also in significant amounts, in 40 packages. (1)
Consumer Reports ‘ analysis involved 15 different types of dried herbs and spices for a total of 126 products marketed by popular brands in the U.S. (McCormick, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and others).
Lead and other heavy metals in spices
About one-third of the products tested, 40 in total, had levels of arsenic, lead and/or cadmium high enough to be a problem especially for children’s health when consumed regularly. For 31 of these, the amount of heavy metals found is also considered a threat to adults.
For two herbs, thyme and oregano, all of the products tested showed levels that Consumer Reports experts say are worrisome.
Who watches over
Heavy metal contamination in food depends on the presence of pollutants in agricultural and industrial activities. Herbs and spices from some non-EU countries (India and China, primarily) are more at risk.
TheRapid AlertSystem for Food and Feed (RASFF ) reports just 3 alert cases in the past two years. In only one, related to Indian turmeric imported from Bulgaria, was contamination established by official public inspection. In the other two, the tests were conducted by the companies, without placing the contaminated product on the market.
The harms of lead
A single dose of herbs or spices contaminated with lead and other heavy metals causes no harm. The problem arises in repeated daily use.
Heavy metals are neurotoxic. In adults, they can contribute to central nervous system problems, reproductive problems, and hypertension, as well as damage kidney and immune function.
In children, as we have seen, consumption of such contaminated foods can even affect brain development, increasing the risk of behavioral problems and lowering IQ (IQ).
Marta Strinati
Cover image by Ajale from Pixabay
Notes
(1) Lisa L. Gill, Your Herbs and Spices Might Contain Arsenic, Cadmium, and Lead. Consumer Reports 9.11.21 https://www.consumerreports.org/food-safety/your-herbs-and-spices-might-contain-arsenic-cadmium-and-lead/#tests
Professional journalist since January 1995, he has worked for newspapers (Il Messaggero, Paese Sera, La Stampa) and periodicals (NumeroUno, Il Salvagente). She is the author of journalistic surveys on food, she has published the book "Reading labels to know what we eat".