[zajio1am]

> actually the next suspect should be red chillis, adulterated with lead oxide.

Why would anyone adulterated red chillis with lead oxide instead of perfectly safe iron oxide, common food colorant?

[bastawhiz]

I don't know for sure, but I'd suspect it's the flavor: iron oxide tastes metallic, lead oxide tastes somewhat sweet. That's partially why you hear about kids eating lead paint chips and not bits of rust.