PRAN claims its turmeric safe

PRAN has defended its turmeric powder after it was recalled from stores in the US after tests there found elevated levels of lead in the product.

Staff Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 19 Oct 2013, 03:51 PM
Updated : 19 Oct 2013, 03:52 PM

In a press release issued on Saturday, the company claimed no element harmful for health was traced in its turmeric powder in the tests conducted in the country.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the US issued multiple recall notices to clear shelves off PRAN’s turmeric powder after tests, following a health complaint, found dangerous levels of lead in the spice powder.

FDA asked consumers to return the product for a full refund and even advised them to get health checkups.

The press notice signed by PRAN director (marketing) Kamruzzaman Kamal said, “We have collected samples of our turmeric powder from the market here and got it tested at BSTI and BCSIR. Their report doesn’t indicate elevated levels of lead in the turmeric.”
PRAN’s turmeric in Bangladesh’s market is completely safe for consumption, the company claimed.
It said PRAN has taken the initiatives following the recall alerts issued by importers of its products in the US and news in various media outlets.
“We are trying to get samples of the batch in which lead was found and requesting the FDA to run retests and also to get them tested in Bangladesh.”
The press release admitted that it was possible for their product to contain lead and went on to explained how it could happen.
“Turmeric cultivated in land where gasoline, colour and waste are disposed or where chemical fertilisers are abundantly used. Cultivations next to highways where engine-driven vehicles ply also could cause the produce to contain more lead.”
It said the contamination can take place from the water the produce is soaked in, the air it is dried in and also from containers in which it is stored.
“So we believe the FDA test report applies to a specific batch or from a particular region of cultivation.”
“Whatever the cause PRAN will look into it and take necessary measures accordingly.”
The notice states that PRAN has already requested Bangladesh Agriculture University’s Soil Science professor M Rafiqul Islam to probe the matter.
Lead can accumulate in the body over time. Too much of it can cause health problems, including delayed mental and physical development and learning deficiencies.
Pregnant women, infants and young children especially should avoid exposure to lead.