Turmeric, a staple in Indian kitchens and traditional medicine, has increasingly come under scrutiny after multiple studies detected alarming levels of lead in commercially sold turmeric powder. However, a new study by environmental research organisation Toxics Link offers reassuring news for farmers while raising fresh concerns about food processing and regulatory oversight. Researchers have called for stronger monitoring, improved supply chain traceability and stricter enforcement to prevent contaminated turmeric from reaching consumers. What the study foundThe study analysed 13 raw turmeric rhizome samples collected from farms in Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. According to the report, there is no known safe level of lead exposure for children,” says Dr Vivek Jain, Senior Director & Unit Head, Paediatrics, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi.