The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that consumers should not use 'Swad' brand sindoor imported by Illinois-based Raja Foods because it has high levels of lead.

"Although the product was not intended to be sold for food use, its labelling is confusing and implies that it may be used as food," FDA said in a statement issued on December 15.

"The Illinois Department of Public Health has confirmed two cases of lead poisoning in consumers who used the product as an ingredient in home-cooked meals," it added.

"Other uses of the product, including as a cosmetic, can also be dangerous due to the high lead levels," it noted.

The warning was followed by Raja Foods recalling 280 packages of the product that were distributed to grocery stores specialising in Indian foods across the US.

The company said it was recalling the product as it contained high levels of lead, which is toxic if ingested by children and can damage the central nervous system. The product is a powder used in India for religious purposes, intended to be placed on the skin or hair, it added.

The US regulator said the front label of the packages has statements like "Swad best taste in town Sindoor" and "For recipe ideas visit our website" -- which indicate towards a possible use as a food.