Raja Foods issues nation wide recall of kumkum, sindoor

Washington, Jan 23 (UNI) Raja Foods LLC of Skokie, Ilinois, is recalling its 3.5 oz. (100 g) packages of kumkum and sindoor because of its high levels of lead content, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) press release.

Lead is very toxic and dangerous to humans, especially children, women of childbearing age, pregnant women and their unborn children.

Although people with lead in their blood often do not exhibit the symptoms of lead toxicity, such symptoms include the following stomach aches, colic, nausea, vomiting, abnormal irritability, and insomnia. Lead can also permanently damage the central nervous system, resulting in learning difficulties in school children as well as cause other long-term health problems.

The products -- Swad Brand: Abil, Gulal, Kanku, Kum Kum and Swad Brand: Lagan Samagri kit, Pooja Samagri kit -- were distributed through Indian grocery stores in Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin.

These products are used in India for religious purposes and are intended to be placed on the skin or hair. Although the product was not intended to be sold for food use, its labeling may be confusing and may imply it may be used as food.

The Abil, Gulal, Kanku, Kum Kum are distributed in a 3.5 oz. (100 g) plastic bag with a front label stating 'Swad best taste in town Sindoor', 'For recipe ideas visit our website: www.rajafoods.com' and 'Product of India'.

The Lagan Samagri and Pooja Samagri product is distributed in plastic bins with a front label stating 'Swad best taste in town Pooja Samagri', 'Swad best taste in town Lagan Samagri'.

The back label states 'Imported and Distributed by: Raja Foods, 8110, N. St. Louis Avenue, Skokie, ILL 60076', and a sticker stating 'Nonedible'. External use of the product does not pose a health hazard.

Consumers who have purchased any of these products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions have also been directed to contact the company.

UNI XC BJR HT1540