U.S. flag An official website of the United States government

On Oct. 1, 2024, the FDA began implementing a reorganization impacting many parts of the agency. We are in the process of updating FDA.gov content to reflect these changes.

  1. Home
  2. Safety
  3. Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts
  4. Makzemo LLC Recalls Balquis Yemeni Spice Because of Possible Health Risk
  1. Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts

COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENT

Makzemo LLC Recalls Balquis Yemeni Spice Because of Possible Health Risk

This recall has been completed and FDA has terminated this recall.

When a company announces a recall, market withdrawal, or safety alert, the FDA posts the company's announcement as a public service. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

Read Announcement

Summary

Company Announcement Date:
FDA Publish Date:
Product Type:
Food & Beverages
Spices, Flavors &  Salts
Reason for Announcement:
Recall Reason Description
Excessive levels of lead
Company Name:
Makzemo LLC
Brand Name:
Brand Name(s)
Balquis
Product Description:
Product Description
Spice

Company Announcement

Makzemo LLC of Brooklyn, NY is recalling Balquis Yemeni spice, because it has the potential to be contaminated with lead.

Lead is a toxic substance present in our environment in small amounts and everyone is exposed to some lead from daily actions such as inhaling dust, eating food, or drinking water.

Exposure to larger amounts of lead can cause lead poisoning. While lead can affect nearly every bodily system, its effects depend upon the amount of and duration of lead exposure and age of the person exposed.

Symptoms can include abdominal pain, vomiting, lethargy, irritability, weakness, behavior or mood changes, delirium, seizures, and coma. However, infants, young children and the developing fetus can be affected by chronic exposure to amounts of lead that may not result in obvious symptoms of lead poisoning. A child with lead poisoning may not look or act sick. Lead poising in children can cause: learning disabilities, developmental delays, and lower IQ scores.

Balquis Yemeni spice was distributed in Michigan and the five boroughs of New York through retail supermarkets and grocery stores.

The spice is packaged in clear plastic containers, 230 grams and 454 grams and in clear 5 lb plastic bags.

The product is yellowish/brown in color.

The brand name is Balquis.

No injuries or illness are associated with this product.

The recall was a result of the New York City Department of Health circulating a flyer about the product and visiting a few retail stores and informing them of the findings.

The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.

Consumers who have purchased Balquis Yemeni spice in clear plastic containers 230 grams/454 grams or 5 lb plastic bags are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 917-444-2211 Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm EST.


Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Khalil Khaled
917-444-2211
Back to Top