Hazardous thyme recalled in the US

US firm Aroma Imports has been forced to recall packs of Nabelsi brand thyme after they were discovered to have excessive levels of lead.

The Michigan-based company said it is recalling 450g and 4.5kg packs of the product after routine sampling by the FDA and Illinois Department of Public Health's Environmental Health Protection unit showed that it contained 422 parts per million lead – far in excess of the regulatory limit which is measured in parts per billion.

"Based on the product's 30g serving size, the calculated lead result is 12,660 µg per serving," said the FDA. "This level exceeds the daily limit guidelines of 6 µg per day for children, the 25 µg per day for pregnant women, and the 75 µg per day for other adults."

There have been two cases of high blood levels of lead associated with this product to date, according to the FDA.

"Lead can accumulate in the body over time and too much of it can cause serious and sometimes permanent adverse health consequences," said the agency, noting that children are particularly vulnerable. "People with high blood levels of lead may show no symptoms, but the condition may cause damage to the nervous system and internal organs."

Nabelsi Group appears to be a Syrian food and beverage company based in Damascus. At the moment it is unclear if the high lead levels have resulted from a quality control issue in the product, adulteration or counterfeiting.