Aroma imports Inc. of Dearborn Heights, MI, is recalling 450 g and 4.5 kg packages of Nabelsi brand Thyme because the products have the potential to contain excessive levels of lead.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product contained high levels of lead (422 PPM) based on sampling by U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Illinois Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Protection.  based on the product’s 30 g serving size, the calculated lead result is 12,660 µg per serving.  This level exceeds the daily limit guidelines of 6 µg per day for children, the 25 µg per day for pregnant women, and the 75 µg per day for other adults.

The recalled Nabelsi Thyme was distributed from Nov. 7, 2016 until Feb. 22, 2017 to retailers, food service establishments, and wholesalers in Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, New Jersey and Virginia.

The 450 g size (UPC: 4670000205314) is packaged in a mostly green foil/mylar bag that is not transparent on either side. The 4.5 kg size (UPC: 6670000205374) packaging is a silver foil/mylar bag. The production date for both sizes is 08/20/2016 and the expiration date is 08/20/2018. The production and expiration dates can be found on the back lower left corner of the 450 g package and back lower right of the 4.5 kg package.  The 450 g packages are packed 24 per case and the 4.5 kg packages are packed 2 per case.

Lead can accumulate in the body over time and too much of it can cause serious and sometimes permanent adverse health consequences.  People with high blood levels of lead may show no symptoms, but the condition may cause damage to the nervous system and internal organs. Acute lead poisoning may cause a wide range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and bloody or decreased urinary output. Children are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning. Lead poisoning can be diagnosed through clinical testing.

There have been two cases of high blood levels of lead associated with this product to date. Both cases have been reported through the Illinois Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Protection.

Consumers who have purchased any packages Nabelsi Thyme should not consume the product.