The 2021 Consumer Reports Investigation
In November 2021, the non-profit organization Consumer Reports (CR) published a major investigation into the levels of heavy metals in popular herbs and spices. The study tested 126 products from 38 different brands, including McCormick, for the presence of lead, arsenic, and cadmium. The findings raised significant alarms within the food safety community and among consumers, as many products across several brands showed measurable levels of these toxic substances. CR's goal was not to make sweeping judgments but to conduct a market 'spot check' to raise awareness about potential contamination.
What did Consumer Reports find regarding McCormick?
In their initial tests, CR categorized spices into three groups based on heavy metal levels: 'No Concern,' 'Some Concern,' and 'High Concern'. According to CR's results, all tested McCormick products, alongside those from other major brands like Spice Islands and Simply Organic, fell into the lowest two categories: 'No Concern' or 'Some Concern'. However, a follow-up investigation specifically on cinnamon powders found McCormick's ground cinnamon in the 'okay to use' category, which had higher lead levels than the safest options, but was still considerably lower than the most concerning brands. This nuance is often lost in public discourse, leading to exaggerated claims.
Why are heavy metals found in spices?
Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements found in the Earth's soil and water. Spices, which are derived directly from plants, can absorb these metals from the soil in which they are grown. Other sources of contamination include:
- Environmental Factors: Proximity of farms to industrial sites that pollute the air and water.
- Contaminated Water: Irrigation water with elevated levels of heavy metals.
- Processing and Handling: The use of contaminated equipment during the grinding, drying, or packaging phases of production.
- Storage: Improper storage in lead-containing containers.
The Class-Action Lawsuit and Its Dismissal
Following the 2021 CR report, a class-action lawsuit, Balistreri et al. v. McCormick & Company, Inc., was filed against McCormick in California federal court. The lawsuit alleged that McCormick sold certain spices containing heightened levels of toxic heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, and cadmium, without properly warning consumers.
The dismissal of the lawsuit
In September 2023, the lawsuit was dismissed without prejudice by Judge Edward J. Davila. The dismissal was not a ruling on the heavy metal allegations themselves but was based on legal grounds. The court found that McCormick's slogan, "The Taste You Can Trust," was non-actionable 'puffery' and could not be the basis for consumer protection claims. The plaintiffs were given multiple extensions to amend their complaint, but ultimately filed a voluntary dismissal in April 2024. While the lawsuit is no longer active, the initial allegations and the CR report continue to drive consumer discussion.
McCormick's Official Response and Actions
In response to the CR report and subsequent legal action, McCormick has taken a clear public stance regarding the safety of its products. The company has stated that its products are safe and that the concerns raised by the CR report, which they deem as using "faulty methodology," are unfounded.
McCormick's quality assurance measures
- Source Control: Working directly with farmers and suppliers to ensure ingredients come from safe source locations and use good agricultural practices.
- Testing Protocols: Specificially stating they test products in their manufacturing plants for heavy metals, with a goal of having levels as close to zero as possible.
- Traceability: Using advanced technology to trace ingredients back to their origin to minimize risk.
- Industry Standards: Adhering to and exceeding relevant food safety standards and regulations.
Comparison of Spice Brands and Heavy Metal Levels (Based on 2021 CR Data)
CR’s 2021 testing provided insights into how different brands fared regarding heavy metal contamination. This table compares the findings for McCormick to a few other notable brands tested.
| Feature | McCormick (e.g., Ground Basil, Thyme) | Simply Organic (e.g., Ground Cinnamon) | Walmart (Great Value, e.g., Ground Cinnamon) | Bowl & Basket (e.g., Ground Cinnamon) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CR Test Finding | Some products in 'Some Concern' category; no 'High Concern' products. | Some products in 'Some Concern' category, some 'No Concern'. | Some products in 'Some Concern', with higher lead for ground cinnamon. | Found in 'High Concern' category for ground cinnamon. |
| Specific Metals Found | Lead, arsenic, cadmium. | Lead, arsenic, cadmium. | Lead, arsenic, cadmium. | Higher lead. |
| Company Response | Maintain products are safe, question CR methodology. | Stated adopting NY state limits, comprehensive testing. | Not specified, though they appeared in the CR report. | Did not respond to CR. |
| Sourcing Control | High-level traceability and supplier adherence to practices. | Emphasis on organic standards and comprehensive testing. | Varies by specific retailer supply chain. | Less clear on quality control. |
What consumers can do to reduce exposure
While the heavy metal concerns in spices are real, panicking is unnecessary. The risk comes from regular, long-term consumption of small amounts, which build up over time. Here are actionable steps to minimize risk:
- Diversify your spice brands: Don't rely on just one brand, which reduces your risk if one brand has a contamination issue.
- Choose lower-risk spices: Spices like black pepper and garlic powder were generally found to have lower heavy metal levels in the CR tests.
- Grow your own herbs: For frequently used herbs like basil and oregano, which often show higher levels, growing your own can be a good option if your soil is known to be clean.
- Use spices in moderation: As Dr. Jamie Alan notes, typical consumption is likely safe, but high-volume consumption over time is more concerning.
- Consider product age: Some experts recommend replacing old spices, as their nutritional benefits may degrade over time.
- Stay informed: Keep an eye on reputable sources like Consumer Reports and regulatory bodies for new testing data and potential recalls.
Conclusion
In summary, the question of whether Does McCormick spices have heavy metals is complex. Independent testing by Consumer Reports in 2021 did identify measurable levels of heavy metals in some McCormick products, although not in the highest-risk categories. A subsequent class-action lawsuit alleging heightened levels of heavy metals was ultimately dismissed, largely on procedural grounds rather than on the merits of the contamination claims. McCormick maintains the safety of its products, citing stringent sourcing and quality controls. For health-conscious consumers, staying informed about independent tests, diversifying spice sources, and consuming in moderation are prudent strategies to minimize potential exposure to heavy metals in spices.
