Consumer Reports: Contaminated herbs and spices

Summary

A Consumer Reports investigation has revealed that some everyday spices contain concerning levels of heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium. Testing 126 products, they found that a third of them had hazardous amounts, particularly in oregano and thyme. Though impossible to eliminate all heavy metals due to environmental factors, consumers can reduce risk by choosing spices that fall below safety thresholds, such as black pepper, curry powder, and garlic powder. Another tip is to grow and dry your own spices, ensuring freshness and minimizing contamination.

Takeaways

• 😀 A Consumer Reports investigation found heavy metals, such as lead and arsenic, in some commonly used spices.
• 😀 Over a third of the 126 products tested had levels of arsenic, lead, and cadmium high enough to raise health concerns.
• 😀 31 spice products exceeded the maximum allowable daily lead intake, which is a serious health risk.
• 😀 Oregano and thyme were the most problematic spices, with concerning levels of heavy metals in every product tested.
• 😀 The American Spice Trade Association acknowledges that it's nearly impossible to eliminate all heavy metals from spices due to environmental contamination.
• 😀 While some spices contain harmful heavy metals, others, like black pepper, curry powder, coriander, saffron, white pepper, and garlic powder, were found to have safe levels.
• 😀 Growing and drying your own spices is an effective way to minimize the risk of heavy metal contamination.
• 😀 Even if you don't have a green thumb or an outdoor garden, growing your own spices is relatively simple and beneficial.
• 😀 A key recommendation is to always check the freshness of your spices; if they lack a strong aroma, it's time to replace them.
• 😀 This investigation highlights the importance of being mindful when purchasing spices and considering alternatives to minimize exposure to harmful substances.

Q & A

What did the Consumer Reports investigation find regarding spices?

The investigation found that some spices contain heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium, with levels in some products high enough to raise health concerns.

What are the health risks associated with heavy metals in spices?

High levels of heavy metals such as lead and arsenic can pose serious health risks, including potential long-term damage to the organs and an increased risk of cancer.

Which spices were found to have the highest levels of heavy metals?

Oregano and thyme were found to have the highest levels of heavy metals, with all tested products of these spices raising concerns among experts.

How many products were tested in the investigation?

A total of 126 products were tested in the investigation.

What did the Consumer Reports experts say about the levels of lead in some spices?

In 31 of the products tested, the levels of lead exceeded the maximum amount that should be consumed in a day, according to Consumer Reports experts.

What is the reason for the presence of heavy metals in spices?

The American Spice Trade Association explains that it is almost impossible to completely eliminate heavy metals from spices due to their unavoidable presence in the environments where the spices are grown.

Which spices were found to be safe with respect to heavy metals?

Spices like black pepper, curry powder, coriander, saffron, white pepper, and garlic powder were found to have levels of heavy metals below the threshold of concern.

What advice does the report give to consumers when shopping for spices?

Consumers are advised to choose spices that are below the threshold of concern for heavy metals, and also to check if the spices are fresh. If a spice no longer has a smell, it may be time to discard it.

What is a good way to ensure the freshness and safety of your spices?

Growing and drying your own herbs and spices is an easy way to ensure their freshness and reduce exposure to harmful heavy metals, even if you don't have a green thumb or outdoor garden.

How can you tell if a spice is no longer fresh?

If a spice has lost its scent, it is likely no longer fresh and should be discarded.