Mexican Candy Recalled for Potentially Dangerous Lead Levels

In case the threat of E. coli and Salmonella aren’t enough, consumers now have to worry about unsafe levels of lead in their snacks.  At least, those who eat Mexican-imported candy do.  Villa-Mex Imports, distributors of the candy Barrilito, have issued a recall because tests on the imported candy revealed potentially dangerous levels of lead.

The FDA considers anything above 0.1 parts per million lead level to be a potential public health hazard.  Lab results from the recalled Mexican candy samples ranged from 0.101 to 0.132 parts per million of lead.  According to a news release, the Texas Department of State Health blames the problem on the product, not on the distributors.  Consumers who have purchases the candy should discard it.  Parents and caregivers are especially urged to not let children eat this candy.

Excessive levels of lead have been the cause of many recent toy recalls, but high lead levels are most dangerous if ingested.Children may not show any immediate signs of lead poisoning, but the long term effects can be detrimental and may include learning disabilities and delays in physical development.  Some symptoms of lead poisoning in children include sudden clumsiness or weakness, inability to concentrate, vomiting or headaches.  The only way to know for sure if a child is suffering from lead poisoning is through a blood test.