Heavy Metals in Spices

First, A little background

Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury have been found in various consumer products, raising significant health concerns.

More specifically, in late 2023, three brands of cinnamon applesauce manufactured in Ecuador were recalled due to high levels of lead. Analysis of the cinnamon used in the applesauce found lead levels as high as 5,110 ppm. As a point of reference, the American Spice Trade Association’s (ASTA) guideline for an upper limit of lead in spices is 2.0 ppm, so the levels found in the cinnamon were over 2,000 times higher than the guideline.

What are acceptable levels?

Unfortunately, the FDA has not established guidelines for acceptable heavy metal levels in spices.  Instead, the administration is focused on setting guidelines for a variety of consumer products used by at risk populations (small children, pregnant women, and the elderly).  So far, they have only published guidelines for candy and fruit juices.

Lacking other guidance, Smith & Truslow utilizes The American Spice Trade Association (ASTA) and the European Union (EU) guidelines for heavy metals in spices that are listed below.

Heavy Metal	Parts Per Million	Source of Guideline
Arsenic	< 1.0 ppm	EU
Cadmium	< 0.3 ppm	EU
Lead	< 2.0 ppm	ASTA
Mercury	< 0.1 ppm	EU

How does Smith & Truslow control heavy metals in our organic spices?

We test our products to determine their heavy metal content. For all tested products, we publish a product spec sheet (which lists the maximum allowable parts per million) under the product description on our website. 

We are audited annually or bi-annually by the following agencies that check our supply chain controls to ensure that we are selling safe products:

                  The FDA

                  The USDA (via the Colorado Department of Agriculture – National Organic Program)

                  Merieux NutriSciences (Safe Quality Food)

                  The State of Colorado

                  The City of Denver Department of Health

                  The Gluten Intolerance Group

                  Earth Kosher

 How do Heavy Metals get in spices?

In general, there are three sources for heavy metals in spices.

Soil – Higher Heavy Metals concentrations are found near industrial sites, mining areas, urban centers, and regions exposed to intensive agricultural practices.  Naturally occurring rock composition can also impact heavy metal composition in soil. 

Water - Heavy metals can enter water supplies through corroded plumbing, industrial waste, mining operations, and natural mineral deposits. 

Intentional Product Adulteration - Spice adulteration is the practice of adding or substituting ingredients in spices to increase their weight, improve their appearance, or make them cheaper. Types of adulteration include:

• Fillers: Adding starches, grains, or other materials to increase the weight of the spice 
• Substitution: Replacing some or all the spice with a similar but lower quality ingredient 
• Chemical additives: Adding artificial colors, dyes, or other chemicals to change the spice's appearance