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IDPH
Sindoor Warning
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[December 15, 2007]
SPRINGFIELD
-- Damon T. Arnold, state public health director, is warning
consumers not to use a recalled product labeled "SWAD. SINDOOR. Best
Taste in Town," an orange or red powder that is applied to the face
or scalp in some traditional Middle Eastern ceremonies. Although
sindoor is never supposed to be used in food, some individuals may
use it as food coloring. Testing by the Illinois Department of
Public Health has found that this product contains 87 percent lead.
The department has confirmed that two consumers who used this
product as an ingredient in home-cooked meals have elevated blood
lead levels.
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 "Ingesting lead can cause severe health effects. Children 6 years
old and younger are most at risk for lead poisoning because their
bodies and nervous systems are still developing. Lead poisoning in
children, even at low levels, can cause developmental problems,
learning disabilities, impaired hearing and behavioral problems,"
said Dr. Arnold. "But lead can also cause problems for adults, such
as nerve disorders, muscle and joint pain, irritability, memory
problems, and increased blood pressure. I want to warn everyone who
has this product not to use it, due to its extremely high lead
content."The Illinois Department of Public Health has determined
this product was imported from India with improper labeling
indicating use for food. Raja Foods of Skokie, the importer and
distributor, is recalling the improperly labeled, lead-contaminated
sindoor. IDPH is working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
and local health departments to assure that this product is not
available to Illinois consumers.
As currently labeled, this product is not safe to have in a
household as it could be accidentally ingested. Consumers who have
the "SINDOOR" distributed by Raja Foods should return it to the
store of purchase. People who have consumed this product should
check with their physician about potential elevated blood lead
levels.
[Text from
Illinois
Department of Public Health news release received from the
Illinois Office of Communication and Information] |
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