How to stop turmeric from killing people
Developing countries—especially India—should learn from Bangladesh
![Yellow turmeric on sale at a spice and dried foods market, Old Delhi, India](https://www.economist.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1424,quality=80,format=auto/content-assets/images/20231104_LDP501.jpg)
Turmeric, a flowering plant of the ginger family, has long been prized in Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties and in Asian cuisines for its earthy flavour and vibrant hue. Haldi, the spice’s Hindi name, is derived from the Sanskrit for “golden coloured”. But for the millions of South Asians who habitually consume it, turmeric’s skin-staining yellowness can be deceptive and deadly.
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This article appeared in the Leaders section of the print edition under the headline “How to stop turmeric killing people”
Leaders November 4th 2023
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