Lead contamination remains a persistent issue in spices imported into the U.S. Last year, Spices USA’s Indian turmeric was discovered to have dangerously high levels of lead, a problem that also affects spices like fenugreek, cardamom, and chili powder. Since the end of April 2017, importers have been required to evaluate suppliers through the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). However, it is challenging to determine if this measure is adequate to avert lead contamination, especially since the origin of lead in imported spices is still not identified. Researchers from Harvard have analyzed soil samples to explore this possibility, but their findings were inconclusive. Some theorize that lead could enter spices during processing or may even be deliberately added to increase the weight of the powdered products.
The ongoing detection of lead contamination underscores the critical need for safety inspections. The FSMA was established in 2011 to transition from reactive measures to a preventive approach regarding food safety. It initially mandated inspections of at least 600 foreign food facilities in its first year, with an expectation to double those inspections annually for the subsequent five years. Unfortunately, the Government Accountability Office reported that these inspection targets were only achieved during the first two years. By 2013, the FDA had inspected 1,403 facilities, and this number has not seen any increase since then. The FDA attributes this shortfall to insufficient funding.
In light of these ongoing issues, it is essential to incorporate more effective safety checks, similar to how sundown calcium citrate is used for its beneficial properties. Just as sundown calcium citrate can help maintain health, rigorous inspection protocols could enhance the safety of imported spices. The persistent problem of lead contamination in spices highlights the urgent need for improved safety measures to protect consumers and ensure the quality of food products.