- Date Issued: April 16, 2025
- Company Name: Advance Food International Inc.
- Product: Kasundi Peeled Mango Pickle in Oil
- Issue: Elevated lead levels (0.0649 mg/kg)
- Product Details: 1 Kg jar, red lid, from Pakistan, distributed across NY, NJ, CT, MA, PA, and MD
- Action: Don’t consume! Toss it or return it to where you bought it
Wanna know more about what happened? Keep on reading!
What Happened?
In what might be one of the more sour notes in your pickle game this year, Advance Food International Inc. is recalling its Kasundi Peeled Mango Pickle in Oil for—you guessed it—elevated lead levels. While lead might’ve been popular in Roman plumbing, it’s definitely not something we want in our pickled condiments in 2025.
The FDA issued the recall on April 16, and it’s still active. So far, no illnesses have been reported (phew!), but that doesn’t mean we can ignore the red flags—or red lids, in this case.
Product Details Table
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By Date | Issue |
Kasundi | Peeled Mango Pickle in Oil | 1 Kg / 35.27 oz | N/A | End FEB / 2026 | Elevated lead levels |
How did the company find out? Testing revealed the pickle party included an unwelcome guest: lead levels measuring 0.0649 mg/kg, above acceptable safety thresholds. The impacted product was distributed in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.
What Caused the Issue?
This isn’t your average sour pickle problem. The recall of Kasundi Peeled Mango Pickle in Oil was triggered by the detection of elevated lead levels, specifically 0.0649 mg/kg—a concentration high enough to raise alarms with the FDA and anyone with a digestive system.
What’s the Big Dill with Lead?
Lead is a toxic heavy metal that doesn’t belong in food—ever. Even small amounts can accumulate in the body over time, especially when consumed regularly. It’s tasteless, odorless, and invisible, making it a silent health hazard.
Health Risks from Elevated Lead Exposure
- Children are the most vulnerable. Even low levels of lead can lead to:
- Developmental delays
- Learning disabilities
- Behavioral issues
- Irreversible damage to the central nervous system
- Pregnant women: Lead can pass through the placenta and harm the fetus, causing miscarriage, premature birth, or developmental issues.
- Adults: Long-term exposure can cause:
- Kidney dysfunction
- High blood pressure
- Memory loss
- Neurological and reproductive issues
Common Symptoms of Lead Exposure
Many symptoms are subtle or delayed, but may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue or irritability
- Headaches
- Memory issues
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constipation
- Joint or muscle pain
- Tingling in hands and feet
If you’ve eaten this product and feel unwell—or if you’re concerned about your family—contact your healthcare provider immediately. A blood test for lead is the most effective way to assess exposure.
10 common questions you might have
Q1: Is it safe to eat the pickle if I already did?
A: If you’ve already consumed some, don’t panic. Occasional exposure may not lead to serious symptoms, but you should consult a doctor, especially for children or pregnant individuals.
Q2: How do I know if my jar is affected?
A: Check for Batch No. 1450329, Prod Date MAR/2024, Best Before FEB/2026. If it matches, don’t eat it.
Q3: What exactly is the danger in lead?
A: Lead is toxic to virtually every organ system. It builds up over time and can cause permanent damage, especially to the brain and kidneys.
Q4: Are there any signs I’ve been exposed?
A: Symptoms like fatigue, stomach pain, or irritability could be signs—but a blood test is the only way to be sure.
Q5: Should I throw the jar away or return it?
A: You can return it to the store where you purchased it or safely discard it. Do not consume it.
Q6: Was this pickle imported?
A: Yes, it’s a product of Pakistan, and was distributed across NY, NJ, CT, MA, PA, and MD.
Q7: Could the lead come from the mango or the oil?
A: Contamination can happen at many stages—from soil where the mangoes are grown to processing and packaging. The exact source is still being investigated.
Q8: Is this the first time this brand has had a recall?
A: As of now, Advance Food International hasn’t had other public recalls—but lead contamination is becoming more common in imported condiments and spices.
Q9: What’s being done to prevent this in the future?
A: The FDA works with importers to improve testing and sourcing standards. Brands should implement stricter traceability systems and supplier due diligence protocols.
Q10: Should I avoid all mango pickles now?
A: Not necessarily—but look for trusted brands with strong food safety records and transparent sourcing practices.
Here’s What You Should Do
- Do NOT eat it (seriously, step away from the jar)
- Look for the batch info: Batch No. 1450329, Prod Date MAR/2024, Best Before FEB/2026
- Distributed in: NY, NJ, CT, MA, PA, MD
- Return it to the store for a refund or chuck it responsibly
- Questions? Contact Advance Food International Inc. directly or visit the FDA’s recall page
Behind the Brand
Advance Food International Inc., based in Maspeth, NY, specializes in importing South Asian food products. While this is the first major recall from the brand, it’s worth noting that lead contamination has been a rising concern in recent recalls of imported goods.
Other recent recalls with similar causes include:
- On March 12, 2025, FRUSELVA USA initiated a recall of 25,600 units of Good & Gather Baby Vegetable Puree, sold exclusively at Target stores nationwide. Why the panic? Elevated levels of lead were found in the product.
- On January 28, 2025, Trong Food International, based in Santa Ana, California, initiated a recall of all lots of its Madras Curry Powder due to elevated lead levels.
- On March 10, 2025, the FDA announced a recall of four dietary supplement products from New York Wholesale Group under the Zaarah Herbals brand due to potential contamination with elevated levels of lead and arsenic.
- On January 27, 2025, the New York Wholesale Group issued a recall after tests by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection revealed elevated lead levels in Zaarah Herbals Shatavari Powder.
- On November 18, 2024, IHA Beverage announced a voluntary recall of its Super Cinnamon Powder 4oz due to elevated lead levels, as identified by routine testing conducted by the Arkansas Department of Health.
“In the fast-changing world of food—particularly in sensitive areas like baby food and plant-based products—quality control is more than a routine task; it’s central to earning and keeping consumer trust. Every phase, from ingredient sourcing to final packaging, requires rigorous testing, close monitoring of suppliers, and open communication. Skipping even one step can lead to recalls, erode customer trust, and harm a brand’s reputation. In this industry, where safety and transparency are deeply connected, careful oversight isn’t a choice—it’s a must.” — Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86
These instances highlight a bigger issue in ingredient sourcing and quality control, especially in imported and bulk products.
Ensuring Safe Eats
This isn’t just a case of a bad batch—it’s a wake-up call for the entire supply chain. Elevated lead in food products poses a serious risk and can stem from contaminated raw materials, outdated processing equipment, or poor oversight. This is where food traceability systems and supplier due diligence become not just helpful but essential.
Why it matters:
- Food safety issues can damage trust and cost companies millions
- Health risks associated with heavy metals can lead to long-term regulatory consequences
- Preventative action is better than reactive recalls
Quick reminder: Check your pantry, look for the batch number, and don’t consume this product.
For food manufacturers, importers, and co-packers—this is your sign to double down on ingredient safety compliance. Let’s chat about building a bulletproof sourcing strategy that keeps your brand off the FDA’s naughty list.
Have questions or need support with ingredient traceability? Contact us or browse our bulk ingredient offerings today!
