NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Turmeric because it contains lead compounds has been avoided, according to a new study released by Stanford University.
The study revealed a serious form of commercial fraud, after it revealed that lead chromate is used in Bangladesh, to give the roots of turmeric powder in bright yellow, a toxic substance that is banned globally used in the processing of food products, as it leads in the event of abuse Increasing blood lead levels, poisoning nerves, heart and brain diseases and blocking children's brain development.
Previous studies have revealed high blood levels among the population of Bangladesh, one of the most important areas in the world for the production of turmeric, and the new study, published in the latest issue of the environmental research «Environmental Research», looked at the possible sources of high levels of lead in the blood In Bangladesh, I found that this essential ingredient in spices throughout South Asia, and other parts of the world, is the cause.
Lead comes in different forms called isotopes, and the proportion varies depending on the origin of lead. The researchers were able to identify the imprint of adulterated turmeric in the blood of people, as the most likely culprit, and this is the first research directly link between the presence of this dangerous metal in turmeric and levels in the blood.
The history of turmeric cheating dates back to 1980, when the massive flooding flooded turmeric crops and made them wet, and greatly affected the color, some dealt with this problem by adding lead chromate, a yellow industrial pigment commonly used to color toys and furniture, and this practice continued as a cheap and fast To produce the desired color.
"The problem can be tackled in two directions," said Gina Forsyth, the lead researcher in the study. "The first is to educate Bangladeshi producers about the need to use more effective, efficient and safe drying techniques to treat turmeric." Recommend import inspectors worldwide to examine turmeric using X-ray machines, which can detect lead and other chemicals. "
Forsyth warns that current systems for regular food safety checks may reveal only a small percentage of adulterated turmeric circulating around the world. This is a serious problem, because even a small percentage of lead is not allowed.
"Unlike other minerals, there is no safe limit for lead consumption," said Steven Lobie, director of research at the Stanford Center for Global Health Innovation and co-author of the study. "It's a whole neurotoxin, and we can't comfort ourselves by saying that if pollution has Down to one level or another, it will be safe. "