Scary spice: heavy metals found in these common herbs

While herbs and spices are often the secret to delicious meals, they may also pose some unsettling health risks. In a 2021 study, Consumer Reports tested 126 brands of 15 types of dry herbs and spices, finding concerning levels of heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, and lead.

Despite herbs and spices being consumed in tiny amounts, one-third of the products tested posed health concerns for children when regularly consumed in typical serving sizes. The brand didn’t consistently matter, nor did whether the product was organic.

The problem with heavy metals is that it’s difficult for the human body to break them down. Over time, repeated exposure can build up and cause damage. “For certain spices, just one serving—¾ teaspoon or more—per day leaves little room for heavy metal exposure from other sources,” said Tunde Akinleye, a Consumer Report chemist.

In children, high levels can affect brain development. In adults, they can contribute to several health problems from hypertension to reproductive issues to poor immune function.

Regrettably, oregano, one of the best herbs for Italian cuisine, was one of the worst performers. Every single brand tested posed some concern to health. The La Flor brand of oregano was found to be the cause of high concern over heavy metals.

Like oregano, all five of the thyme brands presented some concern in terms of heavy metals. The Happy Belly brand from Amazon was found to be of high concern.

Of the brands of basil and ginger tested, only one was found to be worry-free for each spice, and both of the winners were from the Simply Organic brand.

While turmeric is touted as a healthy spice, it has been linked to six cases of lead poisoning in U.S. children since 2010. However, more than half of the brands tested were risk-free, although the La Flor ground turmeric caused "high concern." As a bonus, all the curry powders were totally fine.

These tasty spices performed pretty good in the Consumer Reports tests. Of the ten cumin brands, six were given the green light. Of the eight paprika brands, four were just fine. However, all of the brands that posed some concern were at the lowest level of concern.

Of the ten brands of chile powder tested by the US organization, nine were found to be totally worry-free. The only brand that posed some concern was the Great Value brand from Walmart.

The study wasn’t all bad news. Indeed, all the brands of the spices listed above that were tested were found to be free of concerning levels of heavy metals. So no need to skimp on the pepper (white or black!).

Laura Shumow, executive director of the American Spice Trade Association, told Consumer Reports that it’s "almost impossible" to get rid of heavy metals because they are absorbed from the soil where they’re grown.

In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for safety, but hasn’t set limits on heavy metals in most food products. However, the FDA may test imported herbs and spices and detain them, but most focus is on harmful bacteria like salmonella. Good news? No salmonella was found in the spices!

The states of New York and California have acted on the concern, with New York issuing recalls of more than 100 herbs and spices due to heavy metal contamination since 2016. In 2006, the EU also set limits on heavy metals in all types of food products.

Image: PAULA BARRECA BARNES/ Unsplash

Consumer Reports suggests one of the best ways to limit heavy metal exposure is to grow and dry your own herbs, especially the ones that were most concerning, like oregano. It also recommends looking at the report to see which brands carry less risk.

Since the health damage is cumulative, Consumer Reports also recommends examining your other food and drink sources and limiting exposure there. This could include testing your water for lead and arsenic, and installing a water filter if needed. Also, be mindful of dark chocolate, fruit juices, or cereals.