County inspector examines store shelves for recalled Mexican candy
Feb 22, 2008
Carlos Lopez of the San Benito County Health Department explains the dangers of eating Mexican candy such as Tarritos because of the high levels of lead found in the products.
The San Benito County Health Department is warning parents and children not to eat Bibi Rainbow Chewing Gum Confection, Tamanzela candies and Tarritos candies. The Mexican-made candies tested positive for dangerous amounts of lead and were taken off shelves statewide after the companies issued a "voluntary" recall for the products.
In Hollister, only one grocery store was found to sell the toxic Tarritos candies, Los Cuates at 220 San Felipe Road.
The store had several boxes of the jelly-like candy for sale before they were taken off the shelves and destroyed, said Carlos M. Lopez, health education associate with the San Benito County Health Department.
Tarriotos is sold in 3.3-ounce glass jars with a green label and yellow lettering.
Juan Godinez, owner of Los Cuates, said he is committed to working with health officials to keep dangerous items off his shelves and out of the hands of children.
"After 16 years this is our first complaint," Godinez said in Spanish, as translated by Lopez. "As soon as we heard it was dangerous we took the candy out of the store."
Lead exposure can cause learning disabilities if ingested over long periods of time and is especially dangerous for babies, pregnant mothers and infants, Lopez said. Parents whose children may have consumed these products are urged to visit their local physicians for testing and treatment. Knowing if a child has been exposed to lead is not easy since symptoms are subtle and only blood testing can reveal the problem, he said.
"As the public health department we are responsible for raising awareness about dangerous products such as this," Lopez said. "Since consumers don't know which products are unsafe until an alert is issued, they have to rely on us to get them the information."
The latest warning is one of a growing number of health concerns regarding imported items from countries such as Mexico and China. Similar recalls have been issued for Chinese-made toys such as Mattel's Barbie, Polly Pocket and "Cars" movie toys; Chinese-made tires; and Mexican-based produce such as chili beans and green beans.
Dangerous amounts of lead can also be found in the paint from houses built before 1978. The California Department of Health Services warns residents to check the construction date of their homes and keep children away from crumbling paint and dust. Lead can also be found in pots and dishes made outside the United States and should be tested for lead before they are used.
Healthy foods high in calcium, iron and vitamin C can help combat lead poisoning and should be made a part of every child's diet, Lopez said.
"If you are worried about candy that could be toxic, feed your kids more vegetables," Lopez said. "If they don't eat any candy, they won't any eat candy with lead in it."
Free lead testing is available for children between 12 and 24 months old by the CDPH and those wanting more information or to report sales of the toxic candies should call the CDPH Complaint Hotline at 1-800-495-3232.
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