FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 13, 2008

Health Department warns about lead in products from India

The City of Kansas City, Mo., Health Department is warning consumers to avoid using some traditional Indian products because they may contain lead. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced a recall of Raja Foods LLC’s SWAD brand products, including Abil, Gulal, Kanku, Kum Kum, Lagan Samagri Kit and Pooja Samagri kits. Raja Foods also has recalled SWAD brand sindoor powder.

The products are currently available for sale in the metropolitan area at Indian grocery stores, stores that specialize in imported products, ethnic grocery stores and fragrance stores.

Pooja kits, a collection of ingredients for Hindu prayer ceremonies, include an orange powder often called sindoor or vermillion that may contain lead. This powder may contaminate the hands of people performing the ceremony and the food used during and after the ceremony.

Sindoor, a cosmetic product used primarily by Indian women to color the scalp and forehead, has been mistakenly used as a food spice because of confusing labeling. Two adults in Illinois are reported to have suffered lead poisoned from using sindoor as a food additive. Using some types of sindoor on the skin also may lead to contamination of the hands and risks of accidental swallowing of the product.

Lead is a toxin that can cause permanent damage to many parts of the body, including the kidneys and brain and cardiovascular, reproductive and nervous systems. While most people with lead poisoning do not have visible symptoms, some may experience stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, weakness in the arms and legs, irritability and memory loss. Anyone can be affected by lead poisoning, though young children and pregnant women are at highest risk.

The Health Department urges consumers to be aware that similar products under different brand names also may contain lead. It is vital to know the ingredients before purchasing these products.

“If you are using sindoor or any of the recalled products, you should immediately stop using the products. Contact the manufacturer for more information on disposal, or return the items and ask for non-poisonous alternatives,” said Amy Roberts, RN, and Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program manager. “If you have been using the recalled products, you and your children should get a blood lead test.”

To schedule a blood lead test, contact your health care provider or local health department. The Health Department offers free blood lead testing for City residents.

For further questions or to schedule a blood lead test, please call (816) 513-6048.

Media inquiries about this topic should be directed to Jeff Hershberger, Health Department, (816) 840-2548 (pager).