Spice Recall in 15 States Over Lead Contamination Fears

A brand of five spice powder has been recalled due to potential contamination with a dangerous heavy metal: lead. The "Yu Yee, Five Spice Powder" was voluntarily recalled by the firm Summit Import Corporation on December 10 last year, and has now been given a "Class II" risk level by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on January 14. Class II risk levels are set when "use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote," the FDA explains. Class II is the second-most extreme risk level, with a Class I being issued for products recalled for more dangerous issues. These are given when "there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death."

Five spice powder is a popular Chinese spice blend designed to include all five flavors: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami. The exact mix can vary, but the traditional version typically includes star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds, though some variations might include other spices like ginger or cardamom. 62 cases of the 1.76oz five spice powder products were involved in the recall, and were labeled with the produce code "06072/WH538". The spice product had been distributed across 15 U.S. states—including Alaska, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia—and the Bahamas. Newsweek has contacted Summit Import Corporation for comment. The FDA lists the reason for the recall as: "Product tested and found high levels of lead." Traditional spice grinding or processing equipment may be made with lead-containing materials, which can leach into the spice powder during manufacturing. Lead contamination in food is dangerous because lead is a toxic metal that can harm nearly every organ and system in the body, even at low exposure levels. Lead interferes with the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system. In children, it can cause developmental delays, learning disabilities, reduced IQ, and behavioral problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In adults, it can lead to memory issues, mood disorders, and even an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

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Lead exposure is also linked to high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease, can impair liver function, and accumulates in the kidneys, potentially leading to kidney damage or failure. "Lead exposure was attributed to more than 1.5 million deaths globally in 2021, primarily due to cardiovascular effects," the World Health Organization explains. Last fall a series of cinnamon products were also recalled due to potential lead contamination. Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about food contamination? Let us know via science@newsweek.com.