Analytical Report - Curry powders

Introduction

This was a mini-survey by West Kent Trading to look at the level of lead. This was in response to a survey conducted by American authorities that found elevated levels of lead in curry powders imported into the USA. There are no maximum levels for lead in EU regulations for spices, but the maximum levels for other commodities range from 0.02mg/kg (infant formula) to 1.5mg/kg for bivalve molluscs and 3.0mg/kg for food supplements.

Ten samples of curry powder were therefore submitted for testing.

Summary of results

The highest level of lead was below 0.5mg/kg, and the average level was 0.19 mg/kg. Since curry powder is only eaten small amounts, these were deemed to be satisfactory levels.

One sample was incorrectly labelled as it was labelled entirely in Polish and requires English labelling.

Report date: May 2010