June 27, 2025: Why would lead chromate be added to spices?

June 27, 2025

Lead chromate is a yellow or yellow-orange powder/crystals. While the use of this pigment in paints is restricted in many countries, access is still available in the global arena. Spices that are typically brightly colored may have lead chromate added to them to enhance the color (and therefore the appeal) of the spice or its original raw substrate. One study measured the lead concentration of turmeric (brightly colored spice) samples purchased between 2011-2012 in the Boston, Massachusetts area. Of 32 samples, 16 of the samples of turmeric had lead levels that exceeded the allowable level of lead in candy. All of the samples had some lead in them. While most of the samples were obtained from ethnic or specialty markets, some were obtained from general supermarkets.1

A recent case report describes a child with an elevated whole blood lead level and discusses that most screening questionnaires for lead exposure in children do not include possible exposure to imported spices as a source. For this case, the authors note that the typical, routine testing of the environment around the child in this case did not elucidate the source of lead. Additional testing of recently imported turmeric revealed that the sample had 1,200,000 parts per billion (ppb) of lead.2 The Food and Drug Association defines adulterated foods to have lead levels > 10-20 ppb.

As we have learned from the recent outbreak of lead chromate exposure in cinnamon flavored applesauce, lead can hide in food sources as well.3

Saralyn R. Williams, MD, Professor of Emergency Medicine, Medicine, and Pediatrics

  1. Cowell W, Ireland T, Vorhees D, Heiger-Bernays W. Ground turmeric as a source of lead exposures in the United States. Public Health Reports 2017;132:289-93.
  2. Jadhav PS, Leff M. Wang HC. Routine paediatric lead screening questionnaires may not fully capture current risk factors. BMJ Case Rep 2025:18:e263791.
  3. Troeschel AN, Buser MC, Winquist A, et al. Investigator of lead and chromium exposure after consumption of contaminated cinnamon -containing applesauce - United States, November 2023- April 2024. MMWR 2025; 74:239-44.