Lead pigment in turmeric is the culprit in a global poisoning mystery (2024)

I grew up in India and now live in the US. My mom recently got some ground turmeric from our own farm when she visited us. I am was stunned by how much more duller, brownish-yellow it was compared to the turmeric I buy in Indian stores in the US. Those are usually really bright yellows.

Now, I am really scared that even stuff sold in California is probably lead paint tainted turmeric.

Re: Lead pigment in turmeric is the culprit in a global poisoning mystery (2024)

#5

Post by pfdietz » Fri, Jul 11, 2025, 4:45 PM UTC

loopdoend wrote: post #2

Wish there were some way to detect impurities like this at home.

Hand held x-ray fluorescence spectrometer?

Re: Lead pigment in turmeric is the culprit in a global poisoning mystery (2024)

#6

Post by unixhero » Fri, Jul 11, 2025, 4:48 PM UTC

pfdietz wrote: post #5

loopdoend wrote: post #2

Wish there were some way to detect impurities like this at home.

Hand held x-ray fluorescence spectrometer?

But of course!

Re: Lead pigment in turmeric is the culprit in a global poisoning mystery (2024)

#7

Post by Joel_Mckay » Fri, Jul 11, 2025, 4:50 PM UTC

loopdoend wrote: post #2

Wish there were some way to detect impurities like this at home.

There are very sensitive indicator drops used for identifying ceramic glazes containing lead on antique porcelain.

There are also handheld scanners that cost more than a car. And yes, people in the community scan every imported toy and or food item they see to start the FDA ban process when necessary. Should buy local when you can anyway. =3

Re: Lead pigment in turmeric is the culprit in a global poisoning mystery (2024)

#8

Post by perihelions » Fri, Jul 11, 2025, 4:50 PM UTC

pfdietz wrote: post #5

loopdoend wrote: post #2

Wish there were some way to detect impurities like this at home.

Hand held x-ray fluorescence spectrometer?

I think those cost more than my entire kitchen.

Re: Lead pigment in turmeric is the culprit in a global poisoning mystery (2024)

#9

Post by pfdietz » Fri, Jul 11, 2025, 4:51 PM UTC

perihelions wrote: post #8

pfdietz wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Hand held x-ray fluorescence spectrometer?

I think those cost more than my entire kitchen.

Hey, if Nile Red can use one, so can you!

Re: Lead pigment in turmeric is the culprit in a global poisoning mystery (2024)

#10

Post by bluGill » Fri, Jul 11, 2025, 4:53 PM UTC

loopdoend wrote: post #2

Wish there were some way to detect impurities like this at home.

I have found lead detection kits. However they are somewhat expensive and I'm not sure how well they work.