The health Department of the city of new York warns residents that in spices and food ingredients imported from Georgia, contain dangerous doses of lead. Tbilisi refutes these claims, citing the fact that the famous Georgian spices are still available in the United States.

The Department of health of new York has re-published on its website a message about the health hazards of spices imported into the US from Georgia. "The Department found that some spices are produced in Georgia, are characterized by high content of lead," warns the Agency, listing well-known in Russia Khmeli-suneli, utsho-suneli, satsivi (a special blend used for the manufacture of the same dish), saffron, turmeric and other seasonings. The authors of the document specify that the spices imported from Georgia, the lead levels of up to 27 000 ppm, while the allowable level is 0.1 ppm.

Lead can cause high blood pressure, kidney disease, nervous and reproductive systems at risk are pregnant women and children. In the text of the appeal to all who have eaten products with the use of spices, made in Georgia, it is recommended to go to the doctor to check the content of heavy metals in the blood.

Because spices are one of the products of Georgian exports, media reports about the statement of the authorities of new York was summoned to Tbilisi great resonance. National Agency of prodoljaetsya Georgia has accused local media of "stoking nervousness in relation to harmless products," but acknowledged that the Department of health of new York conducted a security check of Georgian spices in 2011 and 2015.

The Ministry of agriculture of Georgia assured "Kommersant" that the result of the joint study of the issue, the parties came to the conclusion about the absolute harmlessness of Georgian spices. "Our spices are still regularly and seamlessly delivered to American markets, — says the representative of the Ministry. — Does anyone seriously think that the US authorities would allow on its market the products at the slightest suspicion of health?".

Photo: Ayurvedamarket.ru