Why you need to be worried about toxic turmeric

Shruti SonalTNN
Nov 13, 2023 | 13:10 IST

Spices are the heroes of Indian cuisine, but recent seizures and studies show that adulteration is a big cause for worry

Turmeric has been the superfood du jour for some years now, but its popularity soared even more in the pandemic when people knocked back haldi doodh (or turmeric lattes) for its anti-inflammatory properties. But now there’s a shadow over that vibrant yellow hue that lends itself so well to Instagram photos.

An Economist report recently highlighted the use of lead chromate, a neurotoxin that stunts brain development in kids and ups risk of heart and brain disease, to enhance its golden colour. It might also be added to make spices heavier or accidentally during processing, grinding or packaging.
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