Black licorice recall grows; high lead levels blamed

http://vitals.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/09/07/13732161-black-licorice-recall-grows-high-lead-levels-blamed?lite

Sept. 7, 2012 By JoNel Aleccia, NBC News

More than a dozen types of black licorice treats — from jumbo tubs to mixed bags — have been added to a growing recall of the California-made candy because they may contain high levels of lead.

California health officials are warning consumers not to eat certain Red Vines black licorice products because they also appear to contain levels of lead that could be harmful, especially for pregnant women and young children.

"Consumers in possession of the candy should discard it immediately," Dr. Ron Chapman, the state's health officer, said in a release Friday.

The move follows an Aug. 22 recall of 1-pound bags of Red Vines Black Licorice Twists made by the American Licorice Co. of Union City, Calif.

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Lead can be dangerous to pregnant women and young children. It is a heavy metal that can be toxic to developing organs and may impair neurological development. Long-term lead poisoning has been linked to learning disabilities and other problems in children.

California officials warned that pregnant women and parents of children who may have eaten the candy to talk with their doctors to determine if medical testing is necessary

..... [see original article for list of specific products involved]