Lead contamination remains a persistent issue in spices imported into the United States. Last year, excessive lead levels were detected in Indian turmeric imported by Spices USA, highlighting a common problem with spices such as 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) as part of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). However, it is challenging to determine if these measures are adequate to prevent issues like lead contamination, especially since the source of lead in these spices is still unidentified. Researchers from Harvard have analyzed soil samples as a potential source, but their findings were inconclusive. Some experts suggest that lead contamination might occur during processing or might even be deliberately added to increase the weight of the spice.
The ongoing detection of lead contamination emphasizes the necessity for rigorous safety checks. The FSMA was introduced in 2011 to shift the paradigm from merely responding to food safety incidents to actively preventing them. It mandated the inspection of at least 600 foreign food facilities in its inaugural year, with plans to double that number annually for the next five years. However, the Government Accountability Office has reported that these inspection targets were only met in the first two years. By 2013, the FDA had inspected 1,403 facilities, and this figure has not increased since, primarily due to budget constraints cited by the agency.
Additionally, questions have arisen regarding the safety of certain additives, such as calcium citrate, with concerns about whether calcium citrate clogs arteries. While this topic is separate from lead contamination, it illustrates the broader need for vigilance in food safety practices. Overall, the persistent issue of lead contamination in imported spices and the ongoing debates about food additives underscore the critical importance of thorough inspection and regulation in the food industry.