Lead contamination remains a persistent issue in spices imported to the U.S. Last year, excessive lead levels were detected in Indian turmeric imported by Spices USA, and similar problems have been noted with spices like fenugreek, cardamom, and chili powder. Since the end of April 2017, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) has required importers to vet their suppliers via the Foreign Supplier Verification Program. However, it is challenging to determine whether this measure is sufficient to prevent issues like lead contamination, especially since the origin of lead in imported spices is still unclear. Researchers from Harvard have investigated soil as a potential source, but their findings were inconclusive. Some experts suggest that lead may enter the spices during processing or might even be deliberately added to enhance the weight of the powder.
The ongoing detection of lead contamination emphasizes the necessity of safety checks. The FSMA, introduced in 2011, sought to shift the focus from reacting to food contamination to preventing it altogether. The act mandated inspections of at least 600 foreign food firms in its inaugural year, with plans to double those inspections annually for the next five years. However, the Government Accountability Office reported that these targets were only met during the first two years. By 2013, the FDA had inspected 1,403 facilities, but that number has not increased since then, with the FDA citing insufficient funding as the reason for this stagnation.
In light of these challenges, incorporating supplements like Thorne Cal Mag may provide additional support for health, but the primary concern remains the integrity of the food supply chain. The presence of lead contamination in imported spices underlines the critical need for effective monitoring and preventive measures.