A brand of five spice powder popular in Chinese dishes is being recalled in 15 states over fears it could be contaminated with lead.

The FDA said 62 cases of the powder, called Yu Yee, Five Spice Powder, and that was sold in small local shops were being recalled.

The recall is Class II, indicating that officials believe there is a potential risk of ‘temporary or medically reversible’ health effects for individuals who have consumed the powder.

The spice in question was distributed by Summit Import Corporation, a company based in New Jersey. This particular spice blend is well-known for its combination of flavors which include sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami.

Lead contamination was detected during routine testing by the FDA, which revealed ‘high levels’ of the substance.

Lead exposure is linked to numerous health issues, including memory problems, cancer and delayed growth and development in children.

The recall was first announced in mid-December, but this week the FDA updated the notice amid concerns over the product.

It is just the latest product to be recalled over lead, after cinnamon pouches were also recalled in August over contamination with this substance. 

The above is a stock image. The recalled powder is Yu Yee, Five Spice Powder

The spices were sold in 1.76oz packages, typical for small spice jars.

The affected products were sold in various states including New York, Virginia, Connecticut, Florida, Ohio, South Carolina, Alaska, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Georgia, Minnesota, Missouri, Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.

The states are mostly in the north-east US, parts of the Central US and along the coast in the South.

Spice jars that are part of the recall have the product code: ‘06072/WH538’.

The FDA revealed the recall in a notice for manufacturers, and has not issued a press release at this time. 

There are many different ways the spice could’ve become contaminated by lead. This includes from the soil it was planted into, old equipment it came into contact with or piping with lead at the facility where it was processed.

Once consumed, lead can travel throughout the entire body via the blood and take up camp in soft tissues like the kidney, liver or lungs, damaging those organs.

The severity of the body’s response to lead depends on age, body weight and the amount of lead exposure. Officials say there is no safe level of lead exposure.

In higher doses, or with frequent exposure, it has been linked to behavioral issues, growth problems and learning difficulties in children, hundreds of whom have been sickened in the past year.

Cancers lead exposure is linked to, according to some studies, include those of the stomach, lung, kidney or brain.

The spice is popular in dishes such as beef stew and Cantonese roast duck in Chinese cuisine.

The exact mix of spices in the powder can vary, but it normally includes star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns and fennel seeds.

Some variations also include other spices like ginger or cardamon.