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Across America, more than 377,000 pounds of commercial turmeric and turmeric-based products have been recalled. The reason? Lead contamination.

As reported by Cleveland.com, the turmeric comes from at least three sources – Walmart, Amazon.com, and Target. Also, this recall involves several brands.

The 2016 Affected Products

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The recall covers the following items.

Blue Mountain Brand:

  • Blue Mountain Country Mild Curry Powder
  • Blue Mountain Country Hot Curry Powder
  • Blue Mountain Country Hot Jamaican Jerk Curry Seasoning

Jamaica Choice Brand:

  • Jamaica Choice Mild
  • Jamaica Hot Curry Powder

Ocho Rios Brand:

  • Ocho Rios Jamaican Nice Mild Curry Powder
  • Ocho Rios Spicy Curry Powder
  • Ocho Rios Jerk Curry Seasoning Mild
  • Ocho Rios Jerk Curry Seasoning Spicy

Oriental Brand:

  • Oriental Mild Curry Powder
  • Oriental Hot Curry Powder

Grace Brand:

  • Grace Mild Curry Powder
  • Grace Hot Curry Powder
  • Grace Caribbean Curry Powder
  • Grace Caribbean Tradition Hot Curry Powder

Lieber’s Brand:

  • 2 Ounce Bottle Turmeric

Gel Brand:

  • 15 Ounce Bottle Turmeric

Clear Value Brand:

  • 0.75 Ounce Bottle Turmeric

Spice Supreme Brand:

  • 2 Ounce Bottle Turmeric

Market Pantry Brand:

  • 0.95 Ounce Bottle Turmeric

These products were sold between May and August of 2016.

And reported in 2019:  Lead continues to be found in curry powder

Unfortunately, the original recall notice from the FDA is no longer posted on the government website, but an updated search shows on-going problems. In fact, new recall notices have been published recently, so add the brand Baraka to your list.

And also note that some of the brands from the original recall notice have not yet expired. So please keep checking your spice rack for the brands listed!

The Dangers of Lead Poisoning

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Unfortunately, the FDA, despite its efforts, has yet to reliably determine a “safe” level of lead exposure. The truth is that such a level likely doesn’t exist. You see, your liver doesn’t know what to do with lead, and so, it accumulates in your body over time.

Eventually, this leads to a number of problems, including:

  • Developmental delay
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal pain
  • High blood pressure
  • Constipation
  • Joint pain
  • Headaches
  • Mood disorders
  • Miscarriage
  • Reduced sperm count

What To Do

If you’ve been using any of the turmeric products mentioned above, check the manufacturer’s website for guidance. Generally, they recommend returning the product to the place of purchase. Additionally, you can call the FDA directly at 201-564-0435 between 8 AM and 4 PM Eastern for assistance.

Your next move, of course, should be to switch over to an organic, non-lead contaminated turmeric product.

It’s also a great idea to begin a heavy metal detox. We’ve got an extensive collection of articles that can help you do just that. For example, this article highlights foods to help you detox. And here’s a quick detox drink recipe for you to try.

You’ll need:

  • Two lemons
  • A quarter of a cucumber
  • One and a half apples
  • Two kale leaves
  • Two celery stalks
  • Two spinach leaves

Make sure to use organic ingredients to avoid introducing even more toxins into your body.

Place all the ingredients, in order, in your juicer. Juice until smooth, then pour and drink. Repeat this multiple times daily for at least 3-4 days.

Check out this article for information on how the drink works.

Sources:
FDA
Mayo Clinic
CDC
Cleveland.com