Press Release 12/14/2007 #2
Imported Mexican candy recalled due to elevated lead levels
State Department of Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin today alerted Georgians about imported Mexican candy a San Antonio company voluntarily recalled after Texas Department of State Health Services tests found elevated lead levels that could cause health problems.
Villa-Mex Imports, Inc. of San Antonio, TX recalled Barrilito, a dark brown thick syrup sold in 3.3 ounce (100 gram) glass barrel-shaped jars with white plastic lids. The yellow label shows the name “Barrilito” in red outlined letters. The label also reads: Productos Avila, S.A. de C.V. Puerto Malaque 1379 Col. Sta. Maria Guadalajara, Jal. Mexico.
“Our field inspectors are looking for this candy to see that it is removed from sale because of the damage certain levels of lead can do to infants, young children and pregnant women,” Commissioner Irvin said.
Commissioner Irvin pointed out that the import company acted in response to the recent laboratory tests on the candy that showed lead above the 0.1 parts per million level considered to be a potential public health hazard by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Candy samples ranged from 0.101 to 0.132 parts per million of lead. The tests were part of DSHS product surveillance conducted over the last several months.
Too much lead intake can result in delayed mental and physical development and learning deficiencies. Children who have high blood lead levels may be tired or cranky, not have much appetite, not be able to pay attention, have headaches, vomit, be constipated, be clumsy or weak or not be able to sleep. Some children who have lead poisoning may not look or act sick.
DSHS officials say consumers who have the recalled product should not eat it and should return it or throw it away. The only way to know if a child has a high blood lead level is to have a blood lead test. People concerned about blood lead levels should call their doctors or health clinics about testing.
###
Print this