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Thursday, October 17, 2013

[chottala.com] [Politiconomy] Fwd: Alert for PRAN brand Turmeric [2 Attachments]

[Attachment(s) from Abdullah Dewan included below]

Please read the below


From: "Ali SYED ARBAB Phd., MD" <saali@rad.hfh.edu>
Tm>, "Tarik Canton" <tariqakbar06@yahoo.com>, "Wasi Canton" <wasi08@yahoo.com>, "Zahid Canton" <majainsa@yahoo.com>
Sent: Thursday, October 17, 2013 7:51:23 AM
Subject: Alert for PRAN brand Turmeric

Alert over PRAN turmeric
New York Correspondent,  bdnews24.com<http://bdnews24.com>

Published: 17 Oct 2013 12:10 BdST Updated: 17 Oct 2013 16:10 BdST

Turmeric powder packaged by PRAN group has been recalled from US stores after it was found with unacceptable levels of lead in it.

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The US Food and Drug Administration in a press release on Oct 8 said the product's importer Asia Cash & Carry Inc. of Maspeth, New York is voluntarily recalling jars of PRAN's turmeric powder.

Primary testing of the 250 gm jar of turmeric powder found it contained 28 parts per million (ppm) of lead after sampling by New York State Health Department and private laboratory testing.

Similarly OnTime Distribution Inc. of Brooklyn, NY has also voluntarily recalled the product by a notice on Oct 3 after it was found to contain lead levels as high as 28 and 42 parts per million (ppm).

Another importer Best Value Inc, of Detroit Michigan in a similar press release dated Oct 15 said testing of PRAN turmeric powder in 400g packets has found that it contains 53 ppm of lead.

"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," the notice warned.

The FDA notice also advised that those concerned about blood lead levels should contact their physician or health clinic to ask for testing.

One consumer of the turmeric powder complained on falling sick, after which the testing of PRAN's product was initiated.

The notice asked consumers who have already bought the product not to consume it and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

PRAN blames this on 'quality of soil in Bangladesh'.

Its director (marketing) Kamruzzaman Kamal told bdnews24.com<http://bdnews24.com> correspondent Sheikh Abdulla: "We have explained our position to the US authorities when they enquired. This is due to the quality of Bangladesh's soil and not because of our processing."

"Standards are maintained in the processing of our products. We have been exporting spices for a long time. But our standards don't always match with the standard set by in Europe and America. Now the health department all of a sudden has raised objections". he said.

The PRAN official claimed FDA has put other manufacturers under their scanner and not just PRAN.

But the notices on FDA's website(http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/default.htm) are only directed at PRAN's turmeric powder.

PRAN brand Spice Powder Turmeric was distributed in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Virginia, and Illinois, Hamtramck of Michigan through retail stores.


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The discovery of unacceptable levels of toxic elements like lead in a Bangladeshi product might lead to severe scrutiny by the US authorities on other exports from the country.

There are already exists concerns about expiry dates on food products being inaccurate in products imported from Bangladesh, Pakistan and India.

There are also consumer concerns about the processing of these products.

According to US data, spice products worth $10 million are sold to South Asian consumers in the US market.

Importers are worried that the controversy over PRAN's turmeric powder might put their businesses at risk.


Ali Arbab
CMIL, HFHS
1 Ford Place, 2F
Detroit, MI 48202
313-874-4435
saali@rad.hfh.edu<mailto:saali@rad.hfh.edu>









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Attachment(s) from Abdullah Dewan

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