Lead contamination remains a persistent issue in spices imported into the United States. Last year, Indian turmeric imported by Spices USA was found to have dangerously high levels of lead, a problem that also affects other spices like fenugreek, cardamom, and chili powder. Under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), importers have been required to vet their suppliers through the Foreign Supplier Verification Program since late April 2017. However, it remains uncertain whether this measure is effective in preventing lead contamination, as the source of lead in imported spices is still largely unknown. Researchers from Harvard have analyzed soil samples to determine if this could be a contributing factor, but their findings were inconclusive. Some experts believe that lead might enter spices during processing or could even be deliberately added to increase the weight of the product.
The ongoing detection of lead contamination highlights the critical need for rigorous safety checks. The FSMA, introduced in 2011, aimed to transition from merely responding to food contamination incidents to actively preventing them. It mandated inspections of at least 600 foreign food firms in its first year, with plans to double those inspections annually for the next five years. However, the Government Accountability Office has reported that these inspection targets were only fulfilled in the initial two years. By 2013, the FDA had managed to inspect 1,403 facilities, but this figure has not seen any increase since then. The FDA attributes this shortfall to insufficient funding.
In light of these challenges, consumers may want to consider supplements like calcium citrate, which is available in various brands. When choosing a calcium citrate product, it’s essential to select the best brand to ensure safety and quality. As the issue of lead contamination persists, individuals should remain vigilant about the sources of their spices and supplements, including those containing calcium citrate.