With so much weighing on our minds these days—from the pandemic to climate change and even gun violence—it’s hard to take in yet another alarming concern. Sadly, it appears that some common kitchen spices, those staples we use to elevate our meals, may contain significant amounts of lead and other harmful heavy metals. These levels could pose health risks, especially to our children and even to us.
Consumer Reports conducted tests on 126 widely used spices from familiar brands like Trader Joe’s, McCormick, Spice Island, Walmart, and Whole Foods. Alarmingly, about one-third of these products showed questionable levels of heavy metals. “Approximately one-third of the tested spices, totaling 40 products, had combined levels of arsenic, lead, and cadmium that could be concerning for children’s health when consumed regularly in typical serving sizes,” according to Consumer Reports. “Adults should also be wary.”
Thyme and oregano were particularly problematic. Many products containing these herbs had elevated heavy metal levels. As a parent, I know my kids enjoy a lot of Italian dishes—pizza, pizza bagels, and more!
In 31 products, the levels of harmful metals were so high that they surpassed the safe daily limits. Regardless of the brand or whether it was organic, many spices were found to contain these dangerous metals.
So, what does this mean for you? Should you toss all your spices and relocate to grow your own? Not quite. While thyme and oregano may be best grown at home, some spices were consistently lower in heavy metal levels, such as black pepper, garlic powder, sesame seeds, coriander, and curry. It’s a relief to know that garlic powder, a staple in our kitchen, is safer.
On the bright side, Consumer Reports found no traces of salmonella in any of the tested spices, which is a small comfort. It’s one less thing to worry about, given the current climate of food safety.
Dr. Mark Thompson, a food safety expert at Consumer Reports, reassures us that a single serving of spices with high metal content won’t necessarily harm you, so there’s no need to panic over that sprinkle of oregano. However, caution is warranted, especially for young children.
“People typically think of heavy metals in drinking water or certain foods, but our tests reveal that dried herbs and spices can be an unexpected source of concern,” Dr. Thompson noted.
To minimize risks, limit the use of herbs and spices with high metal levels and avoid products from outside the U.S., where safety standards may be less rigorous. Additionally, consider your overall exposure to heavy metals from other sources, including drinking water and certain foods known to contain lead.
Remember that foods like rice, baby food, and juices have also been linked to high lead levels. Following pediatric guidelines, it’s essential to have your child tested for lead during their routine check-ups.
While it can be overwhelming to learn that even our spices might not be safe, knowledge empowers us. By making informed adjustments to our spice choices and dietary habits, we can promote our family’s health. But seriously, if I hear one more thing I love is harmful, I might just lose it.
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Summary:
Recent findings reveal that many common spices contain harmful levels of lead and other heavy metals, posing health risks, particularly for children. Consumer Reports tested several popular brands and discovered that about one-third of the spices tested raised health concerns. While some spices like thyme and oregano showed high levels, others like garlic powder and black pepper were deemed safer. It’s important to limit the use of high-risk spices and consider overall exposure to heavy metals from various food sources. Staying informed allows you to make healthier choices for your family.
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