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FDA recalls popular Chinese spice in 15 states due to LEAD CONTAMINATION

By avagrace // 2025-01-22

• The FDA has recalled Yu Yee Five Spice Powder in 15 states due to lead contamination, affecting 62 cases sold primarily in the Northeast, Midwest and the South.
• Lead is a potent neurotoxin with no safe exposure level, posing severe risks to vital organs and causing irreversible damage, especially in children.
• The contaminated spice, distributed by Summit Import Corporation, was detected during routine FDA testing, though the contamination source remains unknown.
• Consumers in affected states are urged to check for product code "06072/WH538" and dispose of the spice immediately.
• Lead exposure can cause serious health issues, including cognitive and developmental harm in children, and long-term risks like organ damage and cancer in adults.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled the popular Chinese spice blend known as Yu Yee Five Spice Powder in 15 states due to contamination with lead. The recall affects 62 cases of the spice, which were primarily sold in local stores across the Northeast, Midwest and Southern regions of the United States. The recall, classified as Class II, indicates that federal officials believe consuming the contaminated spice could result in temporary or medically reversible health effects. However, this classification downplays the gravity of the situation. Lead is a potent neurotoxin, and there is no safe level of exposure. Even small amounts can accumulate in the body over time, causing irreversible damage to vital organs, including the kidneys, liver and brain. For children, the consequences are even more dire, as lead exposure can impair cognitive development, stunt growth and lead to behavioral issues. (Related: Your favorite brands of spices may be tainted with toxic metals.)

FDA detected high levels of lead during routine testing

The contaminated spice was distributed by Summit Import Corporation, a New Jersey-based company, and is a staple in Chinese cuisine, often used in dishes like beef stew and Cantonese roast duck. The blend typically includes star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns and fennel seeds, creating a harmonious mix of sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami flavors. Unfortunately, this culinary delight has now become a potential health hazard. The FDA detected high levels of lead during routine testing, though the exact source of contamination remains unclear. Lead can enter food products through various means, including contaminated soil, outdated processing equipment or lead-based piping in manufacturing facilities. Regardless of the source, the presence of lead in a widely consumed product like Five Spice Powder is unacceptable and highlights a glaring failure in the food supply chain. The states affected by the recall include Alaska, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia. Consumers in these states are urged to check their spice jars for the product code "06072/WH538" and dispose of any contaminated product immediately. However, the lack of a formal FDA press release on the matter is concerning. Without widespread public awareness, many consumers may unknowingly continue to use the tainted spice, putting themselves and their families at risk. The health implications of lead exposure are well-documented. In adults, it can cause memory loss, high blood pressure and kidney damage. In children, even low levels of lead can lead to learning disabilities, reduced IQ and behavioral problems. Long-term exposure has also been linked to cancers of the stomach, lungs, kidneys, and brain. These are not minor or temporary health effects – they are life-altering consequences that demand immediate action and accountability. Learn more about clean food and food recalls at CleanFoodWatch.com. Watch this video warning about the increasing levels of lead being detected in baby teeth. This video is from the SecureLife channel on Brighteon.com.

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