Detection of adulterants and heavy metal contamination in chilli, turmeric, and salt powders sold in western Hararghe, Ethiopia

Food adulteration remains an issue in Ethiopia due to surveillance and enforcement weaknesses. Evidence on adulteration and heavy metal contamination in Western Hararghe spices is limited. The study examined adulterants in chilli, turmeric, and salt powders, compared branded and non-branded products, and evaluated lead and mercury contamination in chilli and turmeric. Ninety samples, comprising 30 each of chilli, turmeric, and salt powders, were collected from markets in Chiro, Hirna, and Bedessa. Adulteration prevailed more in non-branded than branded products. Chilli powder contained brick powder (40%), Sudan III dye (26.7%), and oil-soluble coal tar dye (16.7%). Turmeric powder was adulterated with metanil yellow (36.7%) and lead chromate (13.3%). Among salt samples, 45% were non-iodized and 32.5% contained chalk powder. Lead in chilli and turmeric samples surpassed the FAO/WHO limit of 0.1 ppm; mercury was not detected. Results indicate adulteration, particularly in non-branded products, requiring enhanced surveillance, monitoring, regulatory enforcement, and awareness.