Report finds heavy metals, chemicals in common spices and herbs

Many kitchens are stocked full of spices and recipes require many that can be commonly found in a kitchen, but a study reported by WFXT found certain ones may contain chemicals and heavy metals.

Consumer Reports tested a variety of spices and herbs across brands like McCormick, Spice Islands, and Walmart’s Great Value brand. In 31 products, the levels of lead were so high they exceeded the maximum amount anyone should have in one day.

Why does this matter? Heavy metals are hard for the body to break down and get rid of, so they build over time. In adults, that can contribute to hypertension -- high blood pressure -- as well as problems with immune function, the kidneys, and the central nervous and reproductive systems.

In children, it can affect brain development, increase behavioral problems, and lead to a lower IQ.

The results were concerning to Judy Racz, a restaurant owner.

“Heavy metals and arsenic for a child’s growing brain is like, the worst thing that you can do,” Racz said.

And yet, those contaminants were what Consumer Reports found in many common items.

The study looked at 15 types of herbs and spices across several popular brands. Of the 126 individual items tested, 40 had high enough levels of arsenic, cadmium, and lead combined, on average, to pose health concerns in children.

A single herb or spice used once is unlikely to cause harm, the study said. But over time, repeated exposure causes concerns.

Across all tested brands, eight spices fared well, while shoppers should be more selective with which brand they buy of three of the tested spices.

According to the Consumer Reports testing, the results for ginger, oregano and thyme were cause for special concern. All of those spices it tested had concerning levels of heavy metals.

In response, the American Spice Trade Association told Consumer Reports it’s almost impossible to eliminate all heavy metals from spices and herbs because of the “unavoidable presence in the environments where they are grown.” It did say it offers guidance to companies on how to limit contaminants.

Farmers like Rebecca Isola say oregano and thyme are two of the easier herbs to grow at home, pointing out a little herb garden in a pot can go a long way.

“The less chemicals we consume the better,” Isola said. “People are reaching for something that they think is healthy because it’s not salt, it’s not fat, it’s not sugar. But they are putting things in their food that they aren’t aware of.”

Consumer Reports is asking the FDA for stricter limits on heavy metals in food. Their petition can be found here.

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