Third Brand of Mexican Candy Recalled
News Release
January 7, 2008
A San Antonio company is voluntarily recalling a third candy
imported from Mexico after testing by the Texas Department of State
Health Services (DSHS) found elevated lead levels that could cause
health problems.
Villa-Mex Imports, Inc., is recalling Miguelito Azucar Salada
Enchilada Acidulada. The candy is a reddish powder in a clear cellophone
packet with blue lettering. The net weight is marked as 1.7 ounces.
The label also reads: Elaborado Por: Fabrica de Dulces Miguelito, S.A.
DE C.V. Totonacas No 293 Col. Ajusco Coyoacan, Mexico.
Recent laboratory tests of Miguelito candy samples showed lead
levels ranging from 0.161 to 0.291 parts per million, above the 0.1
parts per million lead level considered to be a potential public health
hazard by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The tests were part
of DSHS product surveillance conducted over the last several months.
Villa-Mex also has voluntarily recalled Barrilito, a dark brown
thick syrup sold in 3.3 ounce glass barrel-shaped jars with white
plastic lids; and Tarritos, a dark reddish brown paste packaged in 3.3
ounce mug-shaped glass jars with a handle and white plastic lids. Both
labels read: Productos Avila, S.A. de C.V. Puerto Malaque 1379 Col.
Sta. Maria Guadalajara, Jal. Mexico. DSHS officials said the problem
is with these products, not with the distributor, Villa-Mex Imports.
Eating products containing lead can be especially harmful to
infants, young children and pregnant women. 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 products should
not eat them and should return them or throw them 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
doctor or health clinic about testing.
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(News Media: For more information contact Emily Palmer, DSHS Assistant Press Officer, at 512-458-7400.)