Bulk Paprika Use May Result in Lead Exposure

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The City of Kansas City, Mo., Health Department’s Healthy Homes and Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program has a warning for people purchasing and using paprika in bulk. A local case of a child who was lead-poisoned prompted a routine investigation.

The investigation showed lead-contaminated paprika was sold at a number of local grocery stores. The spices included paprika, sweet paprika, smoked paprika and Hungarian paprika were sold in bulk in unlabeled bins. The contaminated spices were traced to a common in-state distributor. The paprika was immediately removed from sale locally and at the distributor.

Lead exposure can lead to learning disabilities, kidney and cardiovascular damage as well as  brain damage. High doses of lead may also result in seizures and death.

If you think your child has been exposed or you have questions regarding this subject, contact the Health Department’s Healthy Homes and Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at 816-513-6048.