Lead levels in Indian Turmeric exceed safe limits by 200 times, triggering serious health concerns – Times of India

Turmeric, also known as the golden spice of Indian cuisine, which is widely used in cooking and traditional medicine. It is rich in a compound called curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, helping to combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. While we all know it as an Ayurveda-approved spice, that is said to help benefit the human body in many ways, what if you get to know that this yellow spice is hazardous too? Scroll down to know why and how.

As per a study published in Science of The Total Environment journal, samples of turmeric from India’s patna, and Pakistan’s Karachi and Peshawar has shown to have alarming levels of lead, exceeding 1,000 microgram/gram (μg/g). As per the standards set by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the limit also exceeded in samples from Guwahati and Chennai. The study also mentioned that the most likely source of lead in turmeric samples was lead chromate, a yellow pigment used in paints, rubber, plastics and ceramic coatings.

As per FSSAI’s Food Safety And Standards (Contaminants, Toxins And Residues) Regulations, 2011, the regulatory limit for lead in turmeric whole and powder is 10 μg / g.
As per the study, consuming turmeric with lead at these alarming levels would contribute to lead poisoning, which is dangerous for adults and kids majorly.
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The researchers analysed turmeric samples collected from 23 major cities across India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal between December 2020 and March 2021.
What is Lead?
Lead is a heavy metal known to mimic calcium, which is stored in bone.
The analysis
As per a news report by Down To Earth website, polished turmeric roots were found to be most contaminated, followed by loose powder, packaged branded powder and unpolished roots. In India and Pakistan, the permissible levels of lead are the same for loose and packaged turmeric, the report said.

Side effects of consuming lead
It is said that excessive intake of lead interrupts metabolic processes in humans, impacting intelligence, and increasing the risk of heart disease, kidney failure and premature death. From neurological to gastrointestinal issues, they are said to have a wide range of side effects. It is said they also cause behavioral changes including mood swings, irritability, headaches, and sleep disturbances. It also causes abdominal pain, cramps, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Lead is also said to interfere with the production of hemoglobin, leading to fatigue and weakness, and also result in high blood pressure. Lead exposure can also harm the kidneys, potentially leading to chronic kidney disease or even kidney failure with prolonged exposure.
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Final words
Well, while the study stresses subsequent efforts to be made in exploring the turmeric supply chain in these regions, health experts feel that the best way to consume turmeric is to buy organic ones and get them churned into powder manually to have the least level of adulteration. What do you think of such spice adulteration causing a threat to the human body? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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