Texas Department of Health has completed testing for lead in Mexican candy

Texas Department of Health has completed testing of samples of candies from Mexico that contain powdered chili or tamarind as an ingredient or coating. Samples tested by TDH contained trace amounts of lead that are considerably below U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulatory limits. TDH has been working with the FDA in an investigation of such types of candies that may contain lead in amounts that may pose a health risk, especially to young children.

On April 8, the FDA issued a revised alert prohibiting import of several candies from Mexico because of elevated lead content.

Candies specifically banned by the FDA alert include: tamarind lollipops made by Candy Pop S.A. De C.V. of Guadalajara, a tamarind-chili powder lollipop made by Carmen Patricia Guzman of Mexicali, Chaca-Chaca candy made by Industria Dulcera S.A. de C.V. of Morelia and tamarind candy in ceramic jars made by Margarita Guiltron Ramirez of Guadalajara.

But in an April 9 statement, the FDA said it would be prudent at this time to not allow children to eat any candy from Mexico that contains or is coated with powdered chili.

TDH will detain any of the banned candies found for sale in the state.

Individual alerts prohibiting import of several of the banned products have been in effect for several years. The revised FDA alert added the Chaca-Chaca candy to the list.

Ingesting too much lead can result in delayed mental and physical development and learning deficiencies. Excessive amounts of lead can cause kidney and reproductive system damage and other serious health problems.