Spices USA Inc. of Hialeah, FL, is recalling 772 50-pound bags of Tasty Sawa Ground Turmeric because it contains elevated levels of lead. The company sells its products to distributors and re-packers, not directly to consumers. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem, according to Spices USA. Consumers are warned not to use the product. Lead can accumulate in the body over time, and too much of it can cause serious and sometimes permanent adverse health consequences. The recalled Tasty Sawa Ground Turmeric was distributed in Florida and New York states and also in the Dominican Republic, France, Colombia, Jamaica and Barbados. The product was packed in 50-pound yellow polypropylene bags printed with the following information: Brand Tasty Sawa, Lot Number 120674, Use By 4/2018, Country of Origin: India. The recall was initiated after FDA informed the company that product samples contained elevated levels of lead. According to Spices USA, the problem is in the plant in India where the product was packed. The company stated that the product was not handled, modified or opened by Spices USA Inc. before being shipped to buyers. All buyers have been contacted and advised to either return or destroy the product and to contact their customers with the same instructions if this product was repacked under another label, according to Spices USA. Consumers who have purchased the Tasty Sawa Ground Turmeric are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company representative at 1-800-583-0250 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. EDT. There were several recalls this summer of imported ground turmeric and blended curry seasoning for elevated lead levels, including by Gel Spice Inc., JM Exotic Foods Inc. and Oriental Packing Co. Inc.
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