Gel Spice expands recall of ground tumeric powder in US

New Jersey-based company Gel Spice has expanded its recall of ground tumeric powder to include additional brands distributed across the US due to presence of excessive lead.

Under the expanded recall, the products include Spice Select, Market Pantry, Gel, Clear Value, Lieber’s and Spice Supreme.

Excessive lead is dangerous for pregnant women, infants and children.

The firm first issued a recall of its Fresh Finds branded ground tumeric in the last week of July.

In a notice issued on 28 July on the US Food and Drug Administration website, the company stated: “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.

“The products were distributed by various retailers throughout the US. Sampling and testing of another product, produced from the same bulk turmeric, revealed the elevated level of lead."

The products were distributed by various retailers across the US.

No illnesses have so far been reported due to consumption.