Comments on: Desi products could have high lead content

By: Online Shopping Mall

Online Shopping Mall — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:38:14 +0000

I think all this is very alarmist!

By: Santosh

Santosh — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 07:43:49 +0000

Priya, Mrunalini,
I'm sorry if my post gave the impression all turmeric was tainted. Later on in the post, I went through great pains to explain these are probably stores in the U.S. and that study was probably restricted to the Boston area.
It makes sense they would use lead, it is one of the heaviest elements, less lead = more weight

By: Priya

Priya — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 09:01:32 +0000

That's ridiculous. Turmeric as used in India itself is pure turmeric, nothing else – it's a solid thing that's ground up into powder form, often in the home (meaning it's purchased in its solid, natural state, not powdered). So for there to be lead in it is practically impossible, it's 100% pure turmeric.

The stuff you guys use in the States is often packaged goods that are filled with all sorts of conservatives/preservatives/additives – that applies not only to turmeric, but practically everything you guys consume!! So I wouldn't be surprised if so-called “indian spices” had a load of crap in them. If these pass muster with the FDA then obviously there is something wrong with the food grading system. If these are not being tested properly then again it's the system and unscrupulous vendors.

However, there is no need to malign the spice itself – it's the packaged versions in the USA that should be coming under fire, not TURMERIC…lol!!! Trees and plants don't produce lead loll….!!!

By: mrunalini

mrunalini — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:08:01 +0000

I would take this research with a pinch of salt. Havent the Indian households been using turmeric and sindoor for over ages and have had healthy kids? Maybe it is the Indian grocery stores in the US who, lured by greed, are going for low quality products, if any.