Lead contamination remains a persistent issue in spices imported into the United States. For instance, last year, Indian turmeric imported by Spices USA was found to have dangerously high levels of lead, a problem that is also prevalent in spices like fenugreek, cardamom, and chili powder. Under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), importers have been required to vet suppliers through the Foreign Supplier Verification Program since late April 2017. Nevertheless, it is challenging to determine whether these measures are adequate to prevent lead contamination, especially since the exact sources of lead in imported spices are still unknown. Researchers from Harvard have investigated the possibility that contaminated soil may be the cause, but their findings were inconclusive. Some experts propose that lead could be introduced during processing or even intentionally added to increase the weight of the spice powder.
The ongoing detection of lead contamination emphasizes the necessity of thorough safety checks. The FSMA, implemented in 2011, aimed to shift the focus from merely responding to food safety issues to actively preventing them. The law mandated inspections of at least 600 foreign food facilities in its first year, with a goal of doubling those inspections annually for the following five years. However, the Government Accountability Office reported that these targets were only met in the first two years. By 2013, the FDA had inspected 1,403 facilities, but this number has stagnated since then. The FDA has cited a lack of funding as a reason for this shortfall.
In light of these challenges, many consumers are turning to supplements like calcium citrate from Holland and Barrett to ensure they maintain healthy levels of essential nutrients. This trend highlights the growing concern about food safety and the importance of proactive measures in preventing contamination. As the awareness of issues like lead contamination persists, the demand for reliable dietary supplements, including calcium citrate, continues to rise.