- Date Issued: January 28, 2025
- Company: Trong Food International
- Product: Madras Curry Powder
- Issue: Elevated lead levels
- Product Details:
- 4 oz (114g) glass jar, UPC: 39606001562
- 4 oz (114g) plastic pouch, UPC: 36906001544
- 16 oz plastic bottle, UPC: 39606001548
- Action: Consumers are advised to discontinue use and contact the company for further instructions.
Stick around to find out more about this recall.
What happened?
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. The issue was identified when testing revealed lead concentrations of 5.48 mg/kg and 2.59 mg/kg, significantly exceeding typical safety thresholds. The affected products were distributed to three distributors located in Maryland and Washington, D.C.
Product details:
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By Date | Issue |
Trong Food International | Madras Curry Powder | 4 oz (114g) glass jar | 39606001562 | All Lots | Elevated lead levels |
Trong Food International | Madras Curry Powder | 4 oz (114g) plastic pouch | 36906001544 | All Lots | Elevated lead levels |
Trong Food International | Madras Curry Powder | 16 oz plastic bottle | 39606001548 | All Lots | Elevated lead levels |
What caused the issue?
The recall was prompted by the detection of elevated lead levels in the Madras Curry Powder. Lead is a toxic metal that can cause serious health problems, especially in children and pregnant women. At this time, there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions related to this recall.
Understanding lead contamination in spices
Lead contamination in spices can occur due to several reasons:
- Soil Contamination: Some regions have naturally high lead levels in soil, which can be absorbed by crops.
- Processing & Storage: Lead exposure can happen through contaminated machinery, packaging, or improper handling.
- Adulteration: In some cases, lead compounds are illegally added to enhance color and weight.
The dangers of high lead levels
Lead is a toxic metal with no safe level of exposure. The detected levels in this recall—5.48 mg/kg and 2.59 mg/kg—are significantly above FDA-recommended limits, posing serious health risks, especially with long-term consumption.
Who is at risk?
- Infants and Children: Their developing brains and nervous systems are most vulnerable to lead poisoning.
- Pregnant Women: Lead exposure can affect fetal brain development.
- Elderly Individuals: Higher susceptibility to neurological effects.
- People with Preexisting Conditions: Those with kidney issues or compromised immune systems may experience worsened symptoms.
Symptoms of lead poisoning
Short-term exposure to lead-contaminated food may cause:
- Abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting
- Headaches and dizziness
- Irritability and mood changes
Long-term exposure can result in:
- Developmental delays and lower IQ in children
- Memory problems and nerve damage in adults
- Kidney and liver damage
10 common questions you might have
- What should I do if I’ve eaten the recalled Madras Curry Powder?
- If you’ve consumed small amounts, the risk is low. However, if you’ve eaten it frequently, consult your doctor, especially for children or pregnant individuals.
- How do I know if I have lead poisoning?
- Symptoms vary, but if you experience fatigue, stomach pain, or mood changes, consider getting a blood lead test.
- Can cooking remove lead from food?
- No. Lead does not break down with heat, so cooking or boiling does not reduce contamination.
- How did lead get into this curry powder?
- Possible contamination during farming, processing, or packaging. Some cases involve intentional adulteration to enhance color.
- Is lead contamination common in spices?
- Unfortunately, yes. Investigations have found lead in turmeric, cinnamon, and other imported spices. That’s why strict testing is essential.
- What should I do with my recalled product?
- Stop using it immediately. Follow the recall instructions to return or dispose of it safely.
- Are there safe alternatives to this curry powder?
- Yes. Look for brands that provide third-party lab testing for heavy metals.
- Can children suffer permanent damage from lead exposure?
- Yes. Long-term exposure can cause learning difficulties, lower IQ, and behavioral problems.
- Has this brand had previous recalls for lead contamination?
- No known prior recalls for lead, but similar recalls in the spice industry have occurred.
- Where can I report food safety concerns?
- You can report to the FDA via their Safety Reporting Portal (FDA Website) or contact your local health department.
Here’s what you should do
- Check Your Pantry: If you have Madras Curry Powder from Trong Food International, discontinue use immediately.
- Identify the Product: Look for the following details on the label:
- 4 oz (114g) glass jar, UPC: 39606001562
- 4 oz (114g) plastic pouch, UPC: 36906001544
- 16 oz plastic bottle, UPC: 39606001548
- Contact the Company: Reach out to Trong Food International for guidance on returns or refunds.
Behind the brand
Trong Food International is a California-based company specializing in authentic Asian spices and seasonings. Unfortunately, this is not their first recall. In April 2023, the company issued a recall of its bottles of Madras Curry Powder because they may contain undeclared peanuts. Similar recalls related to lead contamination have occurred in the industry as well. For instance, 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. Also, in November 2024, the FDA announced that IHA Beverage issued a recall of its Super Cinnamon Powder 4oz after discovering elevated levels of lead.
“In the fast-moving world of food and spices, quality control isn’t just about meeting regulations—it’s essential for maintaining consumer trust and brand credibility. From sourcing raw ingredients to final packaging, every stage requires strict oversight, including supplier vetting, routine contaminant testing, and clear communication with retailers and customers. A recall like this highlights how one oversight can pose significant health risks and harm a company’s reputation. In an industry where safety and trust are deeply connected, proactive vigilance is the key to protecting both consumers and businesses.” — Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.
Ensuring safe eats
This recall underscores the importance of rigorous quality control in the food industry. Elevated lead levels pose serious health risks, emphasizing the need for manufacturers to implement stringent testing and sourcing protocols. Consumers should remain vigilant about product recalls and ensure they source spices and seasonings from reputable suppliers.
If you have purchased the recalled Madras Curry Powder, discontinue use immediately and contact Trong Food International for further instructions.
Have questions about sourcing safe, high-quality ingredients? Contact Source86 today and explore our range of high-quality ingredients! By working together, we can create a safer and more trustworthy supply chain for everyone!
