Home -> Law Blog Directory -> Health Law Blogs -> Food Safety News

Health Law

: Food Safety News

California Finds Lead in Imported Candy

By Dan Flynn and Suzanna Schreck

The California Department of Public Health is warning consumers not to eat Flash Pop Candy imported from China.  Tests conducted on the candy last week revealed unacceptable levels of lead in the product.

Flash Pop Candy is imported and distributed by Kidsmania, Inc., of Santa Fe Springs, Calif.  The Health Department is currently working with the distributor to ensure that the contaminated candies are removed from store shelves.

According to a Health Department press release, "Flash Pop Candy may be sold individually or in a 12-pack containing strawberry, watermelon, and blue raspberry flavors.  The candy container is a 5 inch cylinder with a small round button that makes the cylinder light up when pushed.  The cylinders are pink for strawberry flavor, green for watermelon flavor, and blue for blue raspberry flavor."

Analysis of the Flash Pop Candy revealed that the candy contained as much as 0.60 parts per million (ppm) of lead.  California considers candies with lead levels in excess of 0.10 ppm to be contaminated.

Pregnant women and parents of children who may have consumed this candy should consult their physician or health care provider to determine if medical testing is needed.  Additional information and a list of local childhood lead prevention programs is available on the California Department of Public Health Website. 

Full post as published by Food Safety News on June 29, 2010 (boomark / email).