CDPH warns not to eat Red Vines Black Licorice, snaps, mixed bags containing black licorice candy

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Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and state health officer, on Friday warned consumers not to eat Red Vines Black Licorice  Twists, Family Mix, Mixed Bites and Snaps containing black licorice.

This warning comes after the manufacturer expanded its Aug. 22 recall because it determined these products may contain levels of lead exceeding the state’s standards.

Consumers in possession of the candy should discard it immediately.

The following products are subject to this expanded recall:

Black Licorice Bar, 2.5 oz.
Jumbo Black Licorice Hanging Bag, 8 oz.
Black Licorice Tray, 5 oz.
Black Licorice Laydown Bag, 7 oz.
Black Licorice Laydown Bag, 16 oz.
Black Licorice Jar, 4 lbs.
Mixed Bites Hanging Bag, 8 oz.
Mixed Bites Bag, 16 oz.
Family Mix Laydown Bag, 24 oz.
Family Mix Laydown Bag, 32 oz.
Snaps Hanging Bag, 5.5 oz.
Snaps Theater Box, 4.5 oz.
Snaps Tin, 12 oz.

Red Vines Sugar Free Black Licorice and Red Flavor Licorice products are not subject to this recall.

A full list of the recalled products and pictures of their labels can be found at http://www.cdph.ca.gov/pubsforms/Documents/fdbFrAME2p.pdf .

Red Vines Black Licorice candy products are manufactured and distributed by American Licorice Co., Union City, Calif.

CDPH is currently working with the manufacturer to ensure that the contaminated candies are removed from the marketplace. American Licorice Co. expanded its earlier recall after additional testing of black licorice products determined that recently produced products could also contain elevated levels of lead.

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.

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

For more information about lead poisoning, contact your county childhood lead poisoning prevention program or public health department.

Additional information is available on the CDPH Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention page, http://www.cdph.ca.gov/healthinfo/discond/Pages/CLPPBChildrenAtRisk.aspx , and the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Lead and Lead-Contaminated Products Web page, http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/Pages/LeadFAQ.aspx .