global · contaminant
Lead chromate (turmeric adulteration)
An illegal yellow brightener that makes heavy-metal testing a standing requirement on turmeric.
What is Lead chromate (turmeric adulteration)?
An illegal yellow brightener that makes heavy-metal testing a standing requirement on turmeric.
The read
Lead chromate is a bright-yellow industrial pigment documented as an adulterant in some turmeric supply chains to enhance colour. It is a serious lead-exposure hazard. The control is traceable sourcing plus accredited lead testing on every turmeric consignment.
Applies to
What this page does not tell you
- Prevalence data
- Adulteration prevalence is study-specific and contested; we state the hazard and the control, not a prevalence rate.
Sources
- CBI — Entering the European market for spices and herbs· Tier 2, retrieved 2026-07-16