Turmeric or haldi is a staple in every Indian kitchen. It adds a brilliant yellow to curries, a comforting hue to a glass of milk, and a sense of healing to home remedies passed down through generations. It’s not just a spice; it’s a symbol of tradition, health, and warmth. But what if this golden glow is hiding a dark secret? A recent study revealed that turmeric sold in India contains lead levels up to 200 times higher than what’s considered safe.
Lead chromate gives turmeric an artificial brightness, but this visual appeal comes at a steep price: our health. What’s meant to be a healing ingredient is, in reality, poisoning us slowly. What makes lead poisoning particularly sinister is the symptoms can be easily mistaken for everyday problems: Fatigue, stomach pains and irritability. Spice Market Tricks Saunter through a spice market and you will see heaps of vibrant yellow turmeric powder. In many regions, especially rural areas, some vendors add lead chromate to turmeric to enhance its colour and shelf appeal. Lead chromate is cheap and toxic.
Recent tests across different states, including Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, found lead contamination in turmeric samples reaching 500 parts per million (ppm). For context, the permissible limit for lead in food products is just 2.5 ppm. That’s a difference of 200 times more than the safe level.
“The FDA participates in Codex Alimentarius meetings to set international standards for lead levels in spices. In 2024, Codex recommended a maximum lead level of 2.0 mg/kg for dried rhizomes and root spices like turmeric.’’ says the FDA spokesperson.
Health Hazard
Lead is one of those invisible dangers that doesn’t show immediate symptoms but wreaks havoc over time. It’s a heavy metal with no safe level of exposure, and it can cause lasting damage, especially for vulnerable populations like children.
For kids, lead exposure can cause learning disabilities, a drop in IQ, behavioural problems like hyperactivity and aggression, and developmental delays. It weakens the immune system and can lead to anaemia. Even small amounts of lead can have serious consequences for a child’s growth and future.
Adults exposed to lead may experience high blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues, and cognitive decline. Pregnant women who consume lead-contaminated turmeric can pass the toxin to their unborn babies, increasing the risk of birth defects and developmental problems.
“Lead is often found in spices from the environment where the spices are grown or processed. Lead-containing chemicals such as lead chromate can also be present in spices through the intentional addition to spices (e.g., turmeric, paprika, and cinnamon powder) to enhance colour or add weight, likely for economic gain,’’ says the FDA spokesperson.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) sets the acceptable lead limit in turmeric at 2.5 ppm. But reality paints a different picture. Enforcement of these regulations is inconsistent, especially in rural areas where markets operate with little oversight. In smaller towns and villages, turmeric vendors often bypass quality checks altogether.
“It’s truly shocking. It's a serious concern. I would prefer to buy natural turmeric than from local vendors or big brands — it's hard to trust them anymore,” says Rose Fernandes, a homemaker.
The FDA issued several public health alerts in 2024 advising consumers not to buy or eat certain ground cinnamon products because samples of these products were found to contain elevated levels of lead and because prolonged exposure to these products may be unsafe and could contribute to elevated levels of lead in the blood.
Many vendors aren’t even aware of the harm they’re causing by using lead chromate. And consumers rarely question the quality. Turmeric should be a source of healing, not harm. It’s time to protect the integrity of this golden spice and ensure that what we add to our food enhances our health, not endangers it.
Spice it right
Here are some steps to protect yourself from contaminated turmeric:
Trusted Brands: Stick to trusted brands or organic products. Big brands are more likely to follow quality standards and undergo regular testing. Organic products, though not foolproof, are less likely to be adulterated.
Colour Check: Natural turmeric has a warm yellow hue. If the colour looks too bright or artificially intense, it could indicate lead contamination.
Home Test: Rub a little turmeric on a piece of paper. If it leaves a shiny yellow streak, it might be contaminated. Pure turmeric leaves a dull yellow mark.
Deadly Findings
A 2023 study conducted in India found lead levels in turmeric samples exceeding 200 parts per million (ppm), far above the 2.5 ppm limit set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
"Lead-containing chemicals can be present in spices through intentional addition to spices (e.g., turmeric, paprika, and cinnamon powder) to enhance colour or add weight, likely for economic gain.’’ — FDA spokesperson
"It’s truly shocking. It’s a serious concern. I would prefer to buy natural turmeric than from local vendors or big brands.” — Rose Fernandes, homemaker
