State Health Department Warns Of High Lead In Red Vines Black Licorice

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – The California Department of Public Health issued a warning Wednesday of high levels of lead in a Red Vines candy product.

Dr. Ron Chapman, state health officer, said consumers should not to eat Red Vines Black Licorice Twists candy with a "best before" date of 020413, after tests found the products contained levels of lead that exceeded the state's standards. Consumers in possession of the candy should discard it immediately, he said.

Red Vines Black Licorice Twists candy is sold in a 1-pound package that is light red with Red Vines name in bold white letters. The black licorice candy shows through the package. The words "Black Licorice Twists" appear toward the bottom of the package.

Red Vines Black Licorice Twists candy is manufactured and distributed by American Licorice Co. of Union City. American Licorice Co. has initiated a voluntary recall of the affected lot. Public Health is working with the manufacturer to ensure that the contaminated candies are removed from the market place.

Recent analysis of this candy determined it contained as much as 0.33 parts per million of lead. This concentration of lead could provide up to 13.2 micrograms of lead per serving. Children under 6 years of age should not consume more than 6.0 micrograms of lead per day from all dietary sources, according to Public Health.

Pregnant women and parents of children who may have eaten this candy should consult their physician or health care provider to determine if medical testing is needed. More information is available on the CDPH website.

Consumers who find this candy for sale should call the CDPH Complaint Hotline at 1‑800-495-3232.