Journal of Punjab Academy of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology

Lead poisoning is a recognized clinical entity since the first decade of the 20th century with acute, sub-acute and chronic devastating consequences for the health of the children worldwide. Recently the issue of noodles of a popular brand in India has come under regulatory scanner after samples collected in various parts of the country were found containing added monosodium glutamate (MSG) and lead in excess of the permissible limit. With widespread exposure from extensive dissemination of leaded gasoline and lead based paints in the previous century, packaged eatable products freely available in the market are the modern threat of lead poisoning in children emerging as the subject of discussion in the medical and toxicology field and there is an urgent need to review the lead related problems by the health professionals, public health officials, food regulators and the legislators along with public awareness about ill effects of this heavy metal poisoning on children.