Spices Recalled After Lead is Found

 Posted on August 17, 2016 in Food Poisoning

Gel Spice Inc., a New Jersey-based spice producer that manufactures multiple brands of turmeric, has recalled its product after lead was found in multiple brands' packaged ground turmeric. Initially, a routine sampling of the turmeric by the New York State Department of Agriculture determined that one lot of Fresh Finds brand turmeric powder contained an unsafe level of lead. Further testing found high lead levels in multiple brands from Gel Spice Inc. These brands include Gel, Market Pantry, Lieber's, Clear Value, Spice Supreme, and Spice Select.

These brands are distributed at food retailers throughout the nation. Although no illnesses have been reported in conjunction with the tainted turmeric, individuals who have turmeric from any of the lot numbers listed in the FDA release linked above are urged to throw the spices away and call the company's consumer hotline with any questions.

When dangerous elements like lead contaminate food products, individuals who eat those products can become ill or even die. If you have become ill after consuming a contaminated food product, consider filing a food poisoning claim to pursue compensation for your damages.

Effects of Lead Poisoning

Lead can be very dangerous to the body if it is ingested, especially if the victim is a young child. This is why lead paint was banned in the United States in 1978.

In children, symptoms of lead poisoning include the following:

• Abdominal cramps;
• Diarrhea;
• Constipation;
• Irritability;
• Hearing loss;
• Weight loss;
• Fatigue;
• Developmental delays; and
• Learning difficulties.

Newborns who suffer from lead poisoning can also experience slowed growth. Although lead poisoning can be very dangerous for children, it is dangerous for adults, as well.

Symptoms of lead poisoning in adults include:

• High blood pressure;
• Joint pain;
• Muscle pain;
• Headache;
• Memory loss;
• Mood disorders;
• Pain in the extremities;
• A lowered sperm count; and
• In pregnant women, a higher chance of miscarriage or birth defects for the fetus.

Treating Lead Poisoning

Usually, avoiding further contact with lead is enough to lower the level of lead in a victim's blood back to a normal, healthy level. However, in certain cases it is necessary to actually remove the lead from his or her body. This can require the use of drugs to have the lead excreted from the body. Two forms of treatment for high lead levels are chelation therapy and EDTA therapy.

Work with a Libertyville Food Poisoning Attorney

If you or your child are suffering from the effects of food poisoning after consuming a product contaminated with either dangerous bacteria or particles of a foreign object, consider working with an experienced food poisoning attorney to pursue a personal injury claim. Our team at Newland & Newland, LLP can guide you through this process and help you seek the money you deserve. Contact our firm now to set up your initial consultation in our office. We serve clients in the North Chicago, Fox Lake, Zion, Winthrop Harbor, Waukegan areas from our office located in Chicago.

(photo courtesy of J. Miltenburg)