DHS Warns Consumers of High Lead Levels in Two Imported Mexican Candies
The Department of Health Services on Wednesday issued a warning that two candy products imported from Mexico might contain high levels of lead that could cause "serious health problems," the Orange County Register reports (McKim/Heisel, Orange County Register, 7/7). The warning pertained to Dulmex Rollito de Tamarindo, a tamarind candy, and Vero Vagabundo, a lollipop with a chili dipping powder (Sacramento Bee, 7/7).
The warning was issued after the state tested 250 Mexican candies on June 30 and found that three Vero and three Dulmex candies showed lead levels above federal regulatory levels, according to interim State Public Health Officer Howard Backer (Orange County Register, 7/7).
The state recommends that consumers who possess the candy in question dispose of it or return it for a refund. The public also is encouraged to report sellers of the candy to DHS (Sacramento Bee, 7/7).
According to the Register, state and federal health officials have known about high levels of lead in Vero and Dulmex products since 1994. Attorney General Bill Lockyer (D) last year filed a lawsuit alleging that Vero and Dulmex sold contaminated candies without a proper warning, and state legislators are considering measures to regulate lead in candies (Orange County Register, 7/7).