Gayaji: The Bihar Food Safety Department has expressed serious concern over the quality of turmeric being sold at Gayaji’s prominent spice market, Purani Godam, after tests found excessive levels of lead in a significant number of samples.
A special awareness and inspection drive was conducted on Wednesday by the Food Safety Cell of the Bihar Health Department in collaboration with Pure Earth India and Udyam Mantra Bharat Limited. During the campaign, turmeric samples were tested using a portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyser.
The inspection revealed that 40% of the turmeric rhizome samples contained lead levels exceeding the prescribed food safety standards, raising concerns about potential health risks for consumers.
Experts Raise Health Concerns
Officials and experts participating in the campaign informed traders and vendors that, under the standards prescribed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the maximum permissible limit of lead in turmeric is 10 micrograms per gram.
They warned that prolonged consumption of turmeric containing lead beyond the permissible limit can have serious health consequences, particularly for children. Excessive lead exposure can adversely affect physical and mental development, the nervous system, kidneys and other vital organs.
Some Samples Showed Alarmingly High Lead Levels
According to the inspection team, some turmeric samples contained lead concentrations several times higher than the permissible limit. However, 60% of the turmeric samples tested were found to comply with safety standards.
Officials advised traders to procure turmeric only from reliable and certified suppliers and to ensure quality verification before selling the product to consumers.
Legal Action Against Violators
The awareness campaign was attended by Food Safety Designated Officer Mukesh Kashyap, Pure Earth India Communication Director Zehra Kazmi, Senior Programme Manager Imersia Sharmaine, Programme Manager Ponshian Kerketta, Udyam Mantra Bharat Limited Director Saurabh Samdarshi, and other experts.
Mukesh Kashyap warned that strict legal and penal action would be taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act against those found violating food safety regulations.
He said the department would not compromise on consumer health and would continue conducting regular inspections and testing drives to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
At the conclusion of the campaign, traders and vendors assured the authorities that they would refrain from purchasing or selling turmeric and other food products suspected to contain excessive lead or fail to meet prescribed quality standards.
The Food Safety Department also appealed to consumers to purchase food products only from trusted sources and to remain vigilant about product quality.
