Did you know that most conventional spices sold in the United States are fumigated [sterilized] with toxic chemicals that are banned in Europe? 

Conventional spices contain high concentrations of dangerous chemical additives, GMOs, synthetic anti-caking agents such as sodium aluminosilicate, sodium ferrocyanide, calcium silicate or silicon dioxide, pesticides, and more.

In fact, a recent investigation by Consumer Reports has found toxic heavy metals in common herbs and spices from brands like McCormick, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods. In 31 products, the levels of lead exceeded the maximum amount allowed in a day.

Sterilizing Spices with Toxic Chemicals and Radiation

Conventional spices use two sterilization methods: fumigation and irradiation. In fumigation, extremely toxic chemicals like ethylene oxide are used to kill the bacteria and other microbes.  This dangerous chemical found to cause various cancers in workers who are exposed to it. Consequently, European nations have banned the use of such fumigation processes that use ethylene oxide.

The irradiation method is also quite dangerous; foods are irradiated by being passed through a radiation chamber on a conveyor belt. This has several negative effects on the spice as its chemical composition is disturbed; as a result of these findings, the irradiation method is banned in Japan.

Additionally, most conventional spices  today contain monosodium glutamate (MSG),  a well known carcinogen, endocrine disrupter and killer of brain cells. It’s been linked to various health issues such as kidney problems, neurological disorders, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and more.  It can also cause inflammation, migraines, obesity, metabolic disorders and  cell damage.

Buy Organic Spices.

Choose organic spices, where only safe sterilization methods like steaming is done that use nothing but plain water. Organic spices don’t contain any fillers, synthetic anti-caking agents, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives that may be found in conventional spices. This is what I use 

References:

https://www.organicconsumers.org/old_articles/Organic/spicesgood.php

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3730882/