Is This in Your Pantry? Lead Found in Spice Powder Prompts Recall

BAYONNE — A New Jersey-based company that produces spices is recalling several brands of turmeric powder because of elevated levels of lead in the products, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced.

Gel Spice Inc., headquartered in Bayonne, announced that it will expand its recall of ground turmeric powder to include additional brands after testing showed that there were elevated lead levels in the powdered spice. Click here for a full list of the products being recalled.

"Lead can accumulate in the body over time. Too much can cause health problems, including delayed mental and physical development and learning deficiencies. Pregnant women, infants and young children especially should avoid exposure to lead. People concerned about blood lead levels should contact their physician or health clinic to ask about testing," the FDA said in a statement on its website.

The company initially recalled one lot of Fresh Finds Ground Turmeric Powder because of elevated lead levels, according to the FDA. The lead was first discovered during routine sampling performed by the New York State Department of Agriculture. Food inspectors and an analysis of the product by the New York State Food Laboratory revealed the elevated level of lead, the FDA said in an online statement.

The products were distributed by retailers throughout the United States. The FDA says no illnesses have been reported in connection with the elevated lead in the product.