Huntington Beach, CA, October 11th, 2019
In late August, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) warned consumers not to eat specific varieties of a brand of fruit pulp tamarin flavored candy. The candy, imported from Mexico, was tested by CDPH who found that the products contained as much as 0.17 parts per million (ppm) of lead, exceeding the state's standard of 0.10 ppm.
According to information previously published by CDPH about ways that lead can get into candies, the agency has stated, “It is not entirely clear where the lead in many of the products is coming from, but products containing tamarind, chili powder or salt that is mined from certain parts of the world may have a higher likelihood of elevated levels of lead. Lead may also be introduced into the candy through improper drying, storing or grinding of the ingredients.”
“These specific candies were imported by a company out of Downey that has initiated a voluntary recall of various product lot numbers distributed throughout California and other states,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Anytime children are being exposed to elevated levels of lead in food, consumer products or by the environment, it is unnerving to parents and health advocates. There is no safe blood lead level in children reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”
The scientists at LA Testing work to help the industry with food, consumer products and environmental testing services. With multiple California laboratories, they offer lead, other heavy metal, chemical and microbial testing services to importers, retailers, manufacturers, regulators, health professionals and the public.
To learn more about testing for lead or other product and environmental, health and safety issues, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.
About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro, San Diego and Ontario.