Despite four lawsuits over the last two years over significant levels of toxic heavy metals in big brand names of herbs and spices found in a 2021 consumer report, big box stores continue to carry the listed brands and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet set stricter limits on heavy metals for dry herbs and spices. In November 2021, Consumer Reports published a report titled “Your Herbs and Spices Might Contain Arsenic, Cadmium, and Lead.” The report covered the outcome of their analysis of 126 individual products from national and private-label brands, such as Great Value (Walmart), La Flor Spices, McCormick & Company, Penzeys Spices, Spice Islands, and 365 by Whole Foods Market.
