Mexican Hot Sauces Found To Contain Lead In High Levels; Which Brands Should You Avoid?

Researchers at the University of Nevada Las Vegas recently found worryingly high levels of lead in four Mexican salsa brands that are available in some parts of the U.S.

Although the FDA has no benchmark that determines which levels of lead are "unsafe" in hot sauces, El Pato Salsa Picante, Salsa Habanera, Salsa Picante de Chile Habanero and Bufalo Salsa Clasica had lead levels that exceeded 0.1 parts per million, which is the current FDA standard for "safe" lead levels in candy.

Researchers compared it to candy because Mexican hot sauces have similar ingredients to spicy candies that are manufactured in that country and also sold at ethnic food stores throughout the U.S.

In this pilot study, Shawn Gerstenberger and Jennifer Berger Ritchie purchased 25 bottles of imported hot sauces from Mexico and South America from local ethnic markets, grocery stores, and a swap meet. Product selection included a variety of manufacturers and types, particularly those made in Mexico because of previous lead concerns.

The four brands of hot sauces, or 16 percent, that exceeded the current FDA standard for unsafe levels of lead in candy were all imported from Mexico, but were from four different manufacturers.

"The results indicate the need for more rigorous screening protocols for products imported in Mexico, including an applicable standard for hot sauce," Gerstenberger said. "Without enforceable standards for hot sauces and condiments, manufacturers will not be encouraged to improve quality control measures designed to reduce the amounts of lead and other toxic elements before exporting."

Lead poisoning has been known to cause learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and even seizures, comas and death in extreme cases.

Further testing is expected to continue, as the UNLV team helps the FDA to come up with a safe level of lead content for hot sauces.