Heavy metals found in Turmeric

It’s no surprise that turmeric, the ‘golden spice’, is in the spotlight again – this time, with evidence-based research. The reason? Increased consumer demand for brightly coloured turmeric powder has led to its adulteration with lead.

The addition of lead chromate (PbCRO₄) enhances the brightness of turmeric. Lead is a public health threat, as even low levels of exposure can lower IQ and disrupt normal cognitive development, especially in children.

In a recent study, lead chromate pigment added to turmeric was found to be a threat to public health across Bangladesh. It’s already known that lead exposure among women and children in rural Bangladesh is dangerously high. In selected regions, up to 50% of residents have shown elevated levels of neurotoxin in their blood.

The lead found in turmeric exceeded the national limit by up to 500 times.

Research on lead poisoning has implicated turmeric before. However, after five years of extensive research, the Stanford team who conducted the study claim to have found a direct link between the lead in turmeric and lead levels in blood.

Researchers gathered data from nine major districts for turmeric production in Bangladesh, as well as two districts that produce smaller amounts of turmeric. Interviews were conducted with producers, consumers and regulators. In addition, samples of turmeric, pigment, dust and soil were collected from the retail and wholesale markets. During interviews with colour merchants, it was found that they would import industrial pigments from India and China, and sell these pigments to the plastics, garment, furniture and paint industries. The yellow pigments added to turmeric roots were intended for colouring plastic toys or bags, and even for staining furniture.

A shocking seven out of nine turmeric-producing districts showed evidence of turmeric adulteration.

Currently there is no evidence that adulterated turmeric is reaching consumers outside of Bangladesh; but it is important to remember that humanity shares a global food supply.

These findings were originally published in Environmental Research.

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