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Lead pigment in turmeric is the culprit in a global poisoning mystery (2024)

(www.npr.org)
354 points perihelions | 4 comments | 11 Jul 25 15:33 UTC | HN request time: 0.507s | source
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vasusen ◴[11 Jul 25 16:42 UTC] No.44534256[source]▶
I grew up in India and now live in the US. My mom recently got some ground turmeric from our own farm when she visited us. I am was stunned by how much more duller, brownish-yellow it was compared to the turmeric I buy in Indian stores in the US. Those are usually really bright yellows.

Now, I am really scared that even stuff sold in California is probably lead paint tainted turmeric.

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oharapj ◴[11 Jul 25 17:39 UTC] No.44534980[source]▶
Can someone validate the water test for lead adulterated turmeric? https://youtu.be/tXWPf0HQd5U?si=-SkT4EQB9SvMx7io
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1. GloriousKoji ◴[11 Jul 25 17:59 UTC] No.44535200[source]▶
I don't follow youtube links during work hours as a personal policy but an India government webpage outlines the water test for whole tumeric: https://eatrightindia.gov.in/dart/

> Test 14 : Detection of lead chromate in turmeric whole > Testing Method: > * Add small quantity of turmeric whole in a transparent glass of water. > * Pure turmeric will not leave any colour. > * Adulterated turmeric appears to be bright in colour and leaves colour immediately in water.

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2. Aloisius ◴[11 Jul 25 19:17 UTC] No.44535921[source]▶
That's for whole turmeric.
3. mook ◴[11 Jul 25 20:14 UTC] No.44536390[source]▶
Test 15 is the test for powdered tumeric. Of course, their photographs also look photoshopped (the pure and adulterated photos have the exact same pattern near the bottom), which was rather confusing…
4. oharapj ◴[12 Jul 25 05:09 UTC] No.44539469[source]▶
The Youtube video was also made by the Indian Government. Validating the Indian Government's claim against the Indian Government's same claim (Test 15 in this case) probably doesn't tell us much