It’s not entirely clear where the lead in Mexican candy comes from, but three possible sources are listed as the top potential contributing factors. The candy’s wrapper, ingredients and cooking equipment are the most likely suspects. However, the Orange County Register-Excelsior points to the chili pepper as the primary culprit, possibly due to biological uptake or in the production process. Lead levels in food items, including other candies, are also quite high.
Dulmex Rollito de Tamarindo
Two popular Mexican candies — Dulmex Rollito de Tamarido and Vero Vagabundo — contain high levels of lead, making them unsafe for children and pregnant women. The state Department of Health Services recently tested 250 types of Mexican candies to determine if they were safe for consumption. The test results revealed that three varieties of Vero and Dulmex lollipops contain more than five micrograms of lead per gram. The FDA has issued warnings to consumers and the California Department of Health Services is taking enforcement action against manufacturers of these products.
Two types of Dulmex candies were recalled by the Pueblo City-County Health Department for high lead levels in their wrappers. The candies are sold in Mexico under various names, including Bolirindo and Rollito de Tamarindo. While the health department’s announcement does not specify a timeline for the recall, the timetables are likely to differ.
Vero Vagabundo
A new warning for Mexican candy products has been issued by the state of Arizona. Two products — the Dulmex Rollito de Tamarindo and Vero Vagabundo — contain high levels of lead. The latter is a strawberry lollipop covered with chili dipping powder. The California Department of Health Services conducts random testing on imported Mexican candy products to ensure their safety. The two candies tested positive for lead at 0.72 micrograms per gram.
Fortunately, the FDA and CDHS have not sent individual releases to retailers. However, a spot check at four Gilroy, CA, stores found that 11 candies tested higher than the federal limit for lead. The tests also revealed that Vero Elotes and Vero Mango were over the federal lead limit. Although these candies are over the state limit, they were still sold in all four stores. Consumers are urged to dispose of them right away.
Barrilito
Some Mexican candy contains lead, which is toxic to children. Lead in Mexican candy can come from the soil where chilies are grown or from the factories that make them. Lead content in candy has decreased in recent years, but some types still have high levels. These candies should be avoided, as they can cause health problems such as brain damage, kidney failure, and stomach pain. Consumers should avoid the products containing lead and check the labels carefully.
The Department of Public Health in California has been testing products for lead and toxicity. It has found that one in four Mexican candies has dangerous levels of lead. Since 1993, the agency has issued 164 health alerts related to lead in candy. It is working with manufacturers to initiate voluntary recalls. To prevent exposure to lead, consumers should avoid buying Mexican candies. If you are a parent, consider how your children’s health could be affected if they eat certain types of candy.
Researchers have concluded that Mexican chili powder and tamarind candies may contain lead. Even at very low levels, lead can damage the nerves and the brain of children. Among the brands tested, the Tutsi-pop lollipop was found to have 0.1 ppm of lead. Because lead in small amounts is so dangerous, consumers should avoid these candies. They are widely sold in markets with no labels.
The company behind the Lucas Limon candies has taken voluntary action to remove its products from the market after they were found to contain high levels of lead. However, it was only recently found that leftover products of this Mexican candy were contaminated with lead. The affected products were found at a San Jose candy distributor, and are now relegated to novelty and retro store shelves. While this may seem like a bad thing, it is not as bad as some people believe. The spicy, sweet-hot candy is perfect for a nose-candie!
Miguelito
The Mexican sweet candies, known as Miguelito candy, have been recalled for potential lead contamination. These reddish-orange candies are made of sugar and salt. The candy comes in a clear plastic packet with a picture of a blue-and-white cupid holding an arrow and the letters «MR» printed on it. The company that makes Miguelito has issued a voluntary recall and is working with the health agency of California to remove them from store shelves.
A recent study by the California Department of Public Health showed that imported Mexican candies contain high levels of lead. The California Department of Public Health says the levels are dangerous, particularly for infants, young children and pregnant women. Even in low amounts, lead can cause learning disabilities and other serious health problems. But it is unknown how widespread the problem is in the U.S., which is why the recall is so important. For now, Miguelito candy is not being sold in Mexico.
Mexican children are often exposed to high levels of lead from Mexican candies. The FDA has warned that a variety of Mexican candy products sold in the U.S. contain lead. Miguelito candy contains up to 12 micrograms per piece, which is twice the amount considered harmful for daily ingestion. Although many Mexican candies are lead-free, the wrapper may contain traces of lead. Some types of Mexican candy have lead content that is higher than the level recommended by the FDA.
It is unknown how the lead in Miguelito candy was sourced. The main contributing factors are the ingredients, packaging, cooking equipment, and wrapper. According to the Orange County Register-Excelsior, the main source of lead may be the powdered chili pepper. The chili pepper may contain lead from biological uptake or during production. The FDA has also warned against the consumption of chili and tamarind candies from Mexico.
The FDA issued guidance in 1995, based on the daily candy consumption of 21 grams. It was later determined that children tend to consume a large quantity of candy in a single eating occasion. Therefore, the FDA changed its import alert to reflect the 10 micrograms lead threshold. The candy will no longer be imported into the U.S. unless the lead content has been reduced to less than 0.1ppm. It is also illegal to sell Miguelito candy in Mexico.
