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- Lead Intoxication Related to Coriander Consumption: A Case Report From the United States
- Kelly Johnson-Arbor, Gloria Dike, Sammy Taha
- J Prev Med Public Health. 2025;58(6):647-651. Published online July 8, 2025
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.25.273
- 2,677 View
- 166 Download
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Abstract
Summary
PDF - Spices are associated with health risks, including heavy metal exposure. We present a case of lead intoxication likely related to spice consumption, specifically coriander powder. A 61-year-old woman was diagnosed with lead intoxication during a medical evaluation for symptomatic anemia. The patient had regularly consumed imported Malaysian spices prior to symptom onset. An initial public health assessment revealed only modest concentrations of lead in spices found in her home, raising concerns about additional sources of exposure. Several months later, a relative of the patient was also diagnosed with lead intoxication. Investigation revealed markedly elevated lead concentrations in coriander powder consumed by the relative, suggesting potential economic adulteration. The index patient reported also consuming coriander purchased from a Malaysian street market prior to her lead toxicity diagnosis. Spices are susceptible to heavy metal contamination from inadvertent environmental uptake or intentional economic adulteration. Medical professionals should remain vigilant for lead-contaminated spices and collaborate with public health officials to identify sources and patterns of lead exposure.
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SummaryKey Message
Although spices are valued for their culinary aspects and potential health benefits, they are also susceptible to contamination with heavy metals through intentional or unintentional processes. Spices are especially vulnerable to intentional economic adulteration, due to their often-high costs and processing requirements. This manuscript describes the case of a patient who developed significant lead toxicity after chronic consumption of powdered coriander that was potentially impacted by economic adulteration.English Abstracts- Epidemiologic Investigation on an Outbreak of Salmonellosis in Yeongcheon-si, 2004.
- Hyun Sul Lim, Young Sun Min, Hwan Seok Lee
- J Prev Med Public Health. 2005;38(4):457-464.
- 3,247 View
- 39 Download
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Abstract
PDF
- OBJECTIVES
An outbreak of salmonellosis occurred among the students and staff of D primary school in Yeongcheon-si, 2004. This investigation was carried out to prevent any recurrence of this outbreak and to study the infection source and transmission of the salmonellosis. METHODS: The authors conducted a questionnaire survey among 1, 205 students and staff members from D primary school about the ingestion of the school lunch and drinking water, and the manifestation of their symptoms. The author examined rectal swabs, the tap water and microorganism cultures, and we also investigated the dining facility and water supply facility. RESULTS: The diarrheal cases were defined as the confirmed cases or the persons who had diarrhea more than one time with symptoms such as fever, vomiting and tenesmus. The diarrheal attack rate was 28.0%. Ingestion of fried bean curd with egg had a significantly high association with the diarrheal attack rate (p< 0.05), and the relative risk of the fried bean curd with egg was 10.68 (95% CI=3.88-29.41), as was determined by logistic regression analysis. The bacterial counts in the tap water of the food preparation room and toilet (first floor) exceeded the maximum permissible counts. S. Enteritidis bacteria were only cultured from the fried bean curd with egg of all the supplied foods on September 3, 2004. CONCLUSIONS: The major cause of salmonellosis was presumed to be the contaminated bean curd via contaminated tap water due to a water leak of a school water pipe. This contaminated bean curd was under prepared, which allowed the S. Enteritidis to survive and multiply prior to its ingestion. -
Summary
- Epidemiologic Investigation on an Outbreak of Shigellosis in Seongju-gun, Korea, 2003.
- Young Sun Min, Hyun Sul Lim, Kwan Lee, Sang Hyuk Lim, Bog Soon Lee
- J Prev Med Public Health. 2005;38(2):189-196.
- 3,243 View
- 44 Download
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Abstract
PDF
- OBJECTIVES
An outbreak of shigellosis occurred among students and staff of S primary and middle school, Seongju-gun, in 2003. This investigation was carried out to institute an effective counterplan, and study the infection source and transmission of the shigellosis. METHODS: The authors conducted a questionnaire survey among 235 students and staff from S preschool, primary and middle school relating to the ingestion of school lunch and the manifestation of symptoms. Also, the author investigated the drinking water, feeding facility and reconstructed cooking process of the food presumed to be the cause of the shigellosis. The diarrhea cases were defined as confirmed cases and those cases who had had diarrhea more than one time, accompanied with symptoms such as fever, vomiting and tenesmus. RESULTS: From rectal swabs 20 people, between June 28 and July 4, 2003, were confirmed with shigellosis. The diarrhea attack rate was 40.0%. Those who had ingested tomatoes and cubed radish kimchi had significantly higher diarrhea attack rates (p< 0.05), with the relative risk of tomatoes being 2.69 (95% CI: 0.98-7.42). The major cause of shigellosis was presumed to be from contaminated tomatoes due to cooking with rubber gloves containing holes. CONCLUSION: The cooks in charge of school lunches must make doubly sure to not only attend to their sanitation, but also to manage the table wear and items used in providing school lunches. The health care authority should introduce higher-leveled criteria for health care among cooks, so that they cannot cook when the have a case of any infectious disease. -
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