Oriental Packing Co. Inc. is again recalling spice products because of lead, this time pulling back an undisclosed amount of curry powder. In August the Miami company recalled almost 200 tons of blended curry spices because of lead contamination.
The new recall involves Oriental brand and OCHO-RIOS brand curry powder, according to the recall notice posted Wednesday on the Food and Drug Administration’s website.
While FDA has not set a specific limit for lead in spices, the agency does have a limit of 0.1 parts per million (ppm) on lead in candy. The Environmental Protection Agency considers lead levels of 0.015 ppm in drinking water too high for human consumption.
Lead accumulates in the body over timed can cause serious and sometimes permanent health and learning problems, especially in children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The curry powder recalled Wednesday was distributed to retailers in Jamaica and Florida. Consumers are urged to check their homes for the recalled spice and either throw it away or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Specific products included in this recall — all with the same date and lot codes — are:
- OCHO-RIOS Jamaican Nice Mild and Spicy Hot Curry Powder in 4-ounce plastic bottles with “BEST BEFORE: 9/19/19 through 9/21/19” and a lot number of either 091316A or 091316B;
- OCHO-RIOS Mild Curry Powder in 5-pound plastic bags with “BEST BEFORE: 9/19/19 through 9/21/19” and a lot number of either 091316A or 091316B; and
- Oriental Hot Curry Powder in 50-pound bags with “BEST BEFORE: 9/19/19 through 9/21/19” and a lot number of either 091316A or 091316B.
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