Red Vines black licorice recalled over high lead levels

http://vitals.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/08/22/13419860-red-vines-black-licorice-recalled-over-high-lead-levels?lite

By JoNel Aleccia, NBC News 8/22/2012

California health officials are warning fans of the popular Red Vines black licorice candy not to eat the treats because they tested positive for high levels of lead.

American Licorice Co. of Union City, Calif., issued a voluntary recall Wednesday for 1-pound bags of Red Vines Black Licorice Twists with a best before date of Feb. 4, 2013. It was not clear what volume of product had been recalled. Company officials did not immediately return NBC News calls seeking comment.

“American Licorice is notifying consumers not to eat this candy and asking they return to their place of purchase for a full refund,” company officials said in a statement on their website.

.....

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.

.....Consumers who find the candy for sale are urged to call the CDPH complaint hotline at 1-800-495-3232 [Call: 1-800-495-3232] .