Sol Andino Import & Export Recalls Cumin Due to Lead Contamination

Who doesn’t like a bit of cumin in their food? Unfortunately, an “undisclosed volume of ground cumin” is being recalled by Sol Andino Import & Export, an import-export company in Jackson Heights, NY. It was recalled because it was “contaminated with lead.” This is a big deal because the contaminated product has been distributed “to retail stores in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut,” according to the recall notice.

So how was the contamination discovered? How can consumers tell if they have one of the products, and what should they do about it? Just how dangerous is lead? For starters, the recall notice claims the contamination was discovered “after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of excessive levels of lead in some 2-ounce packages of the ‘Ground Comin’ (Ground Cumin).”

For the moment, distribution of the contaminated cumin has been suspended while the company investigates the matter to try and determine the “source of the problem.” According to the recall notice, consumers can easily identify the recalled product by checking the UPC number. All of the recalled cumin has a UPC number of 884752003812.

But just how dangerous is lead? Well, in this particular case the lead levels discovered in the cumin are “high enough to cause health problems — particularly in infants, small children, pregnant women, and those with underlying kidney disorders.” According to New York officials, if “a child or a pregnant woman is exposed to lead, permanent damage can be caused to the central nervous system.” For example, children can “develop learning disorders, developmental defects, and other long-term health problems.”

Consumers who purchased the recalled product are being urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Further questions and concerns can be directed to Sol Andino Import & Export at 917-288-4704.

Sources:

Importer recalls ground cumin after NY inspectors find lead

SOL ANDINO IMPORT & EXPORT RECALLS GROUND COMIN (GROUND CUMIN) DUE TO LEAD CONTAMINATION