New Delhi: Turmeric is a basic kitchen ingredient used in almost every Indian household. It is also the widely used antibiotic for decades to treat diseases and prevent infections. With time, researchers have called for regulatory scrutiny of turmeric in South Asia after the detection of ‘intentional adulteration’ of turmeric with toxic lead chromate pigment in several samples in various parts of India. Moreover, recently researchers at Standford University in the US have found lead levels that were higher as compared to India’s standard limit of 10 micrograms per gram in 24 (7 per cent) of 356 samples of turmeric.
According to reports, the samples were collected from 23 cities among which the result was found in Patna, Guwahati, Chennai, Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar and Kathmandu. Each of the 12 turmeric samples examined from Patna contained lead with a median-average lead concentration of 1,200 micrograms per gram, 120 higher than the limit set by the Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the country’s top food regulatory authority.
In conversation with News9, Bharathi Kumar, Dietician, Fortis Hospital, Nagarbhavi, Bangalore elucidated, “The presence of lead chromate in turmeric is a serious concern as it indicates the continued use of artificial colouring. Lead chromate poses significant health risks, including damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and brain. It can lead to anaemia, reduced intelligence, and behavioural issues, especially in children.”
“Long-term exposure can result in cancer, reproductive problems, and developmental abnormalities. Consuming turmeric adulterated with lead chromate can have severe consequences, emphasising the need for strict regulations and monitoring of food products to protect public health.”
Long-term exposure can lead to brain function
Reports suggest that long-term exposure can impact brain function which can lead to cognitive decline or impaired thinking ability. However, the researchers have used modelling calculations to estimate that children exposed to lead levels found in turmeric samples in Bihar would have IQ levels 7 points lower than unexposed children. One of the researchers in the study is not only children but adults too can be severely affected by cognitive decline from lead exposure. Cardiovascular disease, renal failure and premature deaths from lead exposure.
India accounts for about 80 per cent of the global supply of turmeric that is majorly cultivated in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Researchers have called for regulatory scrutiny of turmeric in South Asia after the detection of ‘intentional adulteration’ of turmeric with toxic lead chromate pigment in several samples in various parts of India. Recently scientists at Standford University in the US have found lead levels that were higher as compared to India’s standard limit of 10 micrograms per gram in 24 (7 per cent) of 356 samples of turmeric. What effects does long-term of exposure can lead to? Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
