A New Jersey company has expanded its recall of ground turmeric to include additional brands distributed nationwide. Excessive lead, which is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, infants and children, has been confirmed in the spice.
Gel Spice Inc. of Bayonne, NJ, initially recalled its Fresh Finds branded ground turmeric the last week of July.
“Routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ food inspectors and subsequent analysis of the product by the New York State Food Laboratory revealed the elevated level of lead,” according to the company’s July 28 recall notice on the Food and Drug Administration’s website.
In its expanded recall notice, Gel Spice added six brands of ground turmeric.
“The products were distributed by various retailers throughout the United States,” according to the new notice. “Sampling and testing of another product, produced from the same bulk turmeric, revealed the elevated level of lead.”
The additional tumeric being recalled by Gel Spice Inc. can be identified by the label information in the table below.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled ground turmeric should discard the product, according to Gel Spice Inc. Consumers with questions about the recalled product may call 201-564-0435.
Lead can accumulate in the body over time. Too much can cause health problems, including delayed mental and physical development and learning deficiencies, Gel Spice warned in its recall notices. 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 Fresh Finds brand ground turmeric powder recalled by Gel Spice Inc. is packaged in 3.75-ounce jars and has a UPC number of 81026-01230. The recalled product also has the codes of “B/B 03/08/19” or “B/B 05/18/19” on the neck of the jars. The recalled spice was distributed to Big Lots stores nationwide.
Spice Select/8 oz 03/18/19 076114007730
Market Pantry/0.95 oz 05APR2019 085239211038
Gel/15 oz 04/18/19 076114800867
Gel/15 oz 05/16/19 076114800867
Clear Value /0.75oz 04/27/19 036800354920
Lieber’s/2 oz 05/13/19 043427006361
Spice Supreme/2 oz 05/17/19 076114364628
What about It’s Delish brand sold in California?
Hashem is so kind. No wonder the Kollel store didn’t have a big selection. Couldn’t find the cheap brands. The next week I ended up buying Prima although I normally wouldn’t.
I just bought OTHER spices from the VERY COMPANIES listed above: (ginger and cinnamon.) Is there anyway for me to verify that THEY’re safe? – merely not being listed as unsafe does NOT mean that they were actually TESTED/CHECKED OUT to be safe.
They are still selling in grocery stores. I just pointed it out to a shopkeeper who was unaware yesterday.
I’m surprised the suppliers haven’t contacted and notified the stores!
in general, is extremely healthy. I read it prevents Yene Machela
Let’s see now what happens when you have a guest at your shabbos meal. Besides for asking if the lettuce was checked the guest will ask which tumeric you use.
Lol
BH
Is it ONLY the ones with the above expiration dates?
Where do they get from?
What about PEREG brand?