Ground turmeric sold at Target stores, and turmeric and curry seasoning sold at Top Food stores, are being recalled because they may contain elevated levels of lead.
A Missouri company Friday announced that it was recalling its Archer Farms brand of ground turmeric after being alerted by a supplier about the possibility of excessive lead.
Mount Vernon-based B&M, Inc. said the Archer Farms turmeric is sold at Target stores in 2.6 oz. glass bottles and distributed nationwide from June, 2009, to February, 2010: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, and WI.
The recalled Archer Farms Ground Turmeric has a UPC 0-85239-02612-0. The lot numbers included (numbers and dates can be found on the bottom of the bottle ) are 1740901A, best by 6/23/2011; 2180902A, best by 8/6/11; 2780906A, best by 10/5/2011; 2920903A, best by 10/19/11; 3060903A, best by 11/2/2011; 0071003A, best by1/7/2012.
No other Archer Farms Brand spices have been affected by this voluntary recall.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this voluntary recall.
Consumers in possession of this voluntarily recalled product may return it to the store at which you purchased it. Consumers or media with questions should contact B&M, Inc. at 1-877-321-5852 (Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (CST) or contact Target Guest Relations toll-free at 800-316-6151.
Top Food & Drugs, also citing concern about excessive lead levels in turmeric, on Thursday announced a recall of two Spice Hunter brand products: Spice Hunter Curry Seasoning in 1.8 oz. containers with a UPC number of 0-81057-01330, lots: 09 198 and 09 225, as well as its Spice Hunter Ground Turmeric in 2 oz. containers, UPC: 0-81057-01985, lots: 09 196, 09 201 and 09 264.
Lead can accumulate in the body over time. Too much can cause health problems, including delayed mental and physical development and learning deficiencies. Pregnant women, infants and young children especially should avoid exposure to lead. People concerned about blood lead levels should contact their physician or health clinic to ask about testing.
