A brand of five spice powder popular in Chinese dishes is being recalled in 15 states over fears it could be contaminated with lead.
The FDA said 62 cases of the powder, called Yu Yee, Five Spice Powder, and that was sold in small local shops were being recalled.
The recall is Class II, meaning officials believe there is a risk of ‘temporary or medically reversible’ health effects for those who consume the powder.
The spice was distributed by Summit Import Corporation, based in New Jersey, and is a popular Chinese spice blend famed for combining the flavors sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami.
Lead contamination was detected during routine testing by the FDA, which revealed ‘high levels’ of the substance.
Lead exposure is linked to numerous health issues, including memory problems, cancer and delayed growth and development in children.
The recall was first announced in mid-December, but this week the FDA updated the notice amid concerns over the product.
It is just the latest product to be recalled over lead, after cinnamon pouches were also recalled in August over contamination with this substance.
The above is a stock image. The recalled powder is Yu Yee, Five Spice Powder
The spices were sold in 1.76oz packages, typical for small spice jars.
They were sold in the following states: New York, Virginia, Connecticut, Florida, Ohio, South Carolina, Alaska, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Ceorgia, Minnesota, Missouri, Iowa, Pennsylvania and Maryland.
The states are mostly in the north-east US, parts of the Central US and along the coast in the South.
It was not clear how the spices were contaminated with lead, but experts say this can happen if the soil the plants are grown on is contaminated with lead.
This contamination may result from industrial pollution or exposure to car exhaust fumes. Plants can absorb lead from the soil through their roots, which then accumulates in the spices.
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