In the last two years, four lawsuits have been filed over toxic heavy metal levels in big brand names of herbs and spices [1]. Consumer Reports (CR) reported on the problem in 2021, but big box stores continue to carry the listed brands, and the FDA hasn’t established limits for heavy metal levels in dried herbs.
CR’s report, titled “Your Herbs and Spices Might Contain Arsenic, Cadmium, and Lead,” examined 126 individual products from national and private brands, including Great Value (Walmart), La Flor Spices, McCormick & Company, Penzeys Spices, Spice Islands, and 365 by Whole Foods Market.
Based on the analysis, about one-third of the tested products (40) had “high enough levels of arsenic, lead, and cadmium combined to pose a health concern for children,” and most raised concerns for adults as well.
McCormick & Company
As a result of the report’s publication, McCormick & Company, Inc. was the first major brand to face a class action lawsuit. Plaintiffs filed the suit in January 2022. As claimed in the lawsuit, the defendant failed to warn consumers about harmful heavy metals that may be present in some of its herbs and spices.
According to the suit, despite knowing it could test for heavy metals, the defendant did not. It could safely remove these metals from its herbs and spices, but it did not. According to McCormick, heavy metal testing is performed in manufacturing plants at McCormick.
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Amazon.com’s “Happy Belly” brand was the subject of a class action in March 2022, followed by Walmart Inc.’s “Great Value” brand in June 2022.
What Poisons?
Even tiny amounts of lead, arsenic, and cadmium can have adverse effects on the brain, reproductive system, and other organs. According to CR, in 31 products, lead levels were so high that they exceeded the maximum amount anyone should have in a day.
What Spices Are Affected?
McCormick’s Culinary Ground Basil, Ground Ginger, Ground Oregano, Paprika, Ground Thyme, and Ground Turmeric are all affected. Whole Foods herbs are basil, cumin, and ground ginger. Basil, oregano, and thyme tested the highest for heavy metals across all brands.
Avoiding The Poisons
Try substituting with spices like pepper (black or white), garlic powder, coriander, curry powder, saffron, and sesame seeds. One of the safest courses of action is to grow your own herbs and spices. With spring coming on, perhaps this is the excuse many small farmers seek to grow their own herbs.
