Lead contamination remains a persistent issue in spices imported into the United States. For instance, last year, excessive lead levels were detected in Indian turmeric imported by Spices USA, and similar problems have been reported with spices like fenugreek, cardamom, and chili powder. Since the end of April 2017, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) has required importers to assess their suppliers through the Foreign Supplier Verification Program. However, it is challenging to determine if this measure is adequate in preventing lead contamination, especially since the specific source of lead in these imported spices is still unidentified. Researchers at Harvard have investigated soil samples as a potential source but found their results inconclusive. Other theories suggest that lead may enter spices during processing or could even be intentionally added to enhance the weight of the powder.
The ongoing detection of lead contamination highlights the critical need for safety inspections. The FSMA, implemented in 2011, aimed to transition from merely reacting to food contamination issues to actively preventing them. It required the inspection of at least 600 foreign food companies in its inaugural year, with expectations to double that number annually for the following five years. Nonetheless, the Government Accountability Office reported that these goals were only met during the first two years. By 2013, the FDA had inspected 1,403 facilities, and that figure has not seen an increase since, largely due to budget constraints.
In a related context, calcium citrate caramel chews have emerged as a popular supplement option, and while they are generally considered safe, it is essential to ensure that all food products, including spices and supplements, are free from harmful contaminants like lead. The ongoing issues with lead in imported spices underscore the importance of robust safety checks to protect consumers, not just for spices but also for all food items, including calcium citrate caramel chews. Thus, vigilance in food safety is paramount to prevent any potential health risks associated with contamination.