Food & Lead Testing Laboratory

Cinnaminson, NJ,  January 10^th , 2019

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently posted information about a spice mix recall initiated by a New York importer after it was discovered that the product contained elevated levels of lead. Product sampling was conducted as a result of a consumer complaint regarding elevated blood lead levels in a child and FDA testing of the product confirmed elevated levels of lead in the spices.

The spices, used in curry powders, were imported from India, Turkey and Egypt and were sold under multiple name brands in Illinois, New Jersey and New York. The five brands under the recall were sold in 8 and 16 ounce plastic containers.

According to the FDA, lead can accumulate in the body over time and too much of it can cause serious and sometimes permanent adverse health consequences. People with high blood levels of lead may show no symptoms, but the condition may cause damage to the nervous system and internal organs. Acute lead poisoning may cause a wide range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and bloody or decreased urinary output. Children are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning.

“This case is a reminder to companies that imported food items are at risk of contamination due to lead or other substances that can occur,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Simple product testing can dramatically help to prevent cases like this that could expose the public to lead or other contaminants, not to mention the high costs associated with these types of product recalls. At EMSL, we offer comprehensive food testing analysis to help businesses that import, process, distribute and retail food items to ensure their products are safe and meet regulatory requirements.”

To learn more about lead or other food, material and environmental testing services, please visit www.FoodTestingLab.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 46 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.