Spices and seasonings, general overview and the results of the lead study

The presented paper provides a general description of spices and seasonings and discusses the active substances in their composition. The distribution of spices and seasonings in different countries of the world and in Georgia is described. The paper provides information about the historical origin and significance of spices. The results of a study conducted in March-May 2023 by the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health are discussed. The project aimed to detect lead-contaminated spices in the households of the Adjara region, in order to determine the source of lead exposure in children. The amount of lead in children's venous blood and the spices used in the same child's family were investigated in order to determine the relationship between the content of lead in children's blood and spices. Screening of spices in households was carried out using XRF (X-ray fluorescence spectrometer) analyzer, and samples were sent to the State Agricultural Laboratory for high-tech research. Venous blood samples were tested at the Chemical Risk Factor Research Laboratory of the National Centers for Disease Control. The issue is important and relevant, because researches conducted in different years showed that spices in Georgia were somewhat contaminated with heavy metals.