Turmeric Lead Contamination Lawsuits
Last Updated on February 4, 2026
Investigation Complete
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org have finished their investigation into this matter. Check back for any potential updates. You can also sign up for our free newsletter for the latest in class action news and settlements.
If you still have questions about your rights, contact an attorney in your area as there is a time limit for filing all lawsuits. The information on this page was posted when the investigation began and is now for reference only.
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At A Glance
- This Alert Affects:
- Anyone who purchased ground turmeric that was recalled during summer 2016.
- Which Products Are Affected?
- See the list below.
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org would like to speak with anyone who purchased and has kept any of the ground turmeric products recalled by Gel Spice Co., Inc. in summer 2016. (Gel Spice Co., Inc. manufactures and distributes spices, including turmeric, which are then rebranded and sold at major retailers, such as Target and Big Lots.)
These products, as well as their lot numbers, are listed below:
- Fresh Finds (Big Lots) Ground Turmeric, 3.75 oz., UPC Code 81026-01230
- Spice Select (Wal-Mart) Ground Turmeric, 8 oz. UPC Code 076114007730
- Market Pantry (Target) Ground Turmeric, 0.95 oz. UPC Code 085239211038
- Gel Ground Turmeric, 15 oz., UPC Code 076114890867
- Clear Value Ground Turmeric, 0.75 oz., UPC Code 036800354920
- Lieber’s Turmeric, 2 oz., UPC Code 043427006361
- Spice Supreme Ground Turmeric, 2 oz., 076114364628
What’s Going On?
A class action lawsuit has been filed in California against Gel Spice Co., Inc. alleging that the company broke its promise to provide “quality products” and maintain an in-house lab to ensure safe and superior products. The suit claims the company also broke federal and state laws by selling its turmeric spice with toxic levels of lead, which prompted the aforementioned recall.
Turmeric Recall Includes Target, Big Lots Brands
Gel Spice first recalled its Fresh Finds Ground Turmeric in July 2016 after a routine sampling by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets found elevated levels of lead in the Big Lots product. One month later, the recall was expanded to include additional products and lots, as noted above. According to the suit against Gel Spice, New York state authorities labeled the recall as a class one recall – one which can cause a “significant risk to public health.” The proposed class action further claims that lead is classified “as a chemical ‘known to the State [of California] to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity.’”
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