Turmeric Sold At Target, Big Lots, Supermarkets Recalled For Possible Lead

Turmeric is a spice that’s essential in South Asian Cuisine, and sometimes also used to make foods look more yellow or orange. If you’ve bought a jar of turmeric recently, heads up: bulk turmeric from distributor Gel Spice, Inc. that was repackaged under multiple brand names, including bottles sold at national retailers like Big Lots and Target, has been recalled because it may be contaminated with lead.

Lead doesn’t make people sick immediately, but causes health problems over time, and exposure is especially dangerous for children and pregnant women. It can cause developmental and learning problems in children.

In a late July recall, one lot of turmeric distributed to Big Lots stores under the brand name Fresh Finds was also recalled. That spice was packaged in 3.75 ounce plastic jars with the UPC code 81026-01230. Look for “best before” dates of 03/08/19 and 05/18/19.

The distributor, Gel Spice, expanded the recall to include turmeric shipped to other retailers.

Spice Select: 8 ounces, best before code 03/18/19
Market Pantry (Target): 0.95 ounces, best before code 05APR2019
Gel: 15 ounces, best before codes 04/18/19 and 05/16/19
Clear Value: 0.75 ounces, best before code 04/27/19
Lieber’s: 2 ounces, best before code 05/13/19
Spice Supreme: 2 ounces, best before code 05/17/19

If you have any of these products, you should get rid of the product. While the company’s recall announcement didn’t give any information about a possible recall, you can contact Gel Spice with any questions that you may have at (201) 564-0435.

Update: Gel Spice, Inc. Issues Expanded Recall of Ground Tumeric Powder Due to Elevated Lead Levels [FDA]

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