Lead in Turmeric: Why It Happens and How We Keep Ours Safe

Written By Marie Sherman
organic turmeric and black pepper

Turmeric is known and loved all over the world for its beautiful golden colour and amazing health benefits. But in recent years, questions about Lead contamination in Turmeric have been popping up more and more. And with good reason, as it’s something worth paying attention to.

At Taka Turmeric, we believe you deserve to know exactly what’s in your Turmeric (and what isn’t). We are deeply committed to organic standards, as well as the highest levels of health and safety for every customer. Here’s why Lead sometimes ends up in Turmeric, why it matters, and how we make sure every batch you enjoy is as safe and pure as possible.

Why does Lead end up in Turmeric?

Let’s get one thing clear: Turmeric doesn’t naturally contain Lead. But sometimes, Lead can make its way in for two main reasons:

  • To make it look brighter - In some parts of India and Bangladesh, certain suppliers illegally add a compound called Lead chromate to give Turmeric a more vibrant yellow colour. It might make Turmeric look fresh and appealing, but it’s incredibly harmful (1).

  • Contaminated soil -  Turmeric grows underground and absorbs what’s in the soil. If the soil isn’t properly managed or is polluted, heavy metals like Lead can end up in the final product (2).

Why is Lead a big deal?

Even small amounts of Lead can build up in the body over time. It’s toxic to the brain and nervous system, and it can affect kidney function too. Lead is especially dangerous for children and during pregnancy (3).

That’s why it’s so important to know where your Turmeric comes from and how it’s tested.

locally sourced Organic Turmeric farmer

Why Organic Turmeric is safer

Over 90% of Turmeric worldwide is grown conventionally, where there’s little to no regulation. In these cases, harmful shortcuts like adding Lead chromate are more likely (1).

Organic Turmeric is different. It must meet strict standards that don’t allow synthetic additives or harmful chemicals. It also has to be grown in clean, well-managed soil (4).

So, while Organic Turmeric may vary slightly in appearance, just like organic fruits and vegetables, that natural variation is a good sign. It means nothing has been tampered with; it’s Turmeric as nature intended.

How we keep Taka Turmeric safe

When we started Taka Turmeric, we set out to do things the right way from day one…

  • Certified organic only - We have always used 100% Organic Turmeric, grown without synthetic additives or harmful chemicals.

  • Tested batch by batch - Every batch is rigorously tested for heavy metals, including Lead. If it doesn’t pass, it doesn’t make it into our products. Simple as that.

  • Long-term relationships - We have worked closely with the same trusted suppliers from the beginning, building partnerships based on quality, transparency, and mutual respect.

Organic farming is better for the soil, the environment, and the farmers who grow our Turmeric (5). Our Organic Turmeric is carefully and sustainably sourced from trusted farms in India, containing natural amounts of Curcumin and essential oils.

Turmeric as nature intended

We want you to enjoy all the goodness of Turmeric, without any hidden nasties. By choosing organic and testing carefully, we make sure you’re getting Turmeric that’s safe, clean, and full of natural goodness.

Wishing you vibrant health, as always,
The Taka Tea(m)!

References

1.     Forsyth JE, Nurunnahar S, Islam SS, et al. Turmeric means "yellow" in Bengali: Lead chromate pigments added to Turmeric threaten public health across Bangladesh. Environ Res. 2019;179(Pt A):108722. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935119305195

2.     Alam MGM, Snow ET, Tanaka A. Arsenic and heavy metal contamination of vegetables grown in Samta village, Bangladesh. Sci Total Environ. 2003;308(1-3):83–96. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12738203/

3.     World Health Organization. Lead poisoning and health. WHO; 2019. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lead-poisoning-and-health

4.     European Commission. Organic production and products. European Commission; 2022. Available from: https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/farming/organic-farming/organic-production-and-products_en

5.     Reganold JP, Wachter JM. Organic agriculture in the twenty-first century. Nat Plants. 2016;2:15221. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/293014068_Organic_agriculture_in_the_twenty-first_century

Marie Sherman
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