Ginger Candy Recalled Over High Lead Content

WASHINGTONEvershing International Trading, Inc., based in San Jose, Calif., is recalling all ginger candy it received from Lucky Shing Company due to elevated levels of lead, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced today.

The recall involves slices of dehydrated ginger coated in sugar sold under the Mut Gung Non, Ginger Candy" label. The product, imported from Vietnam, was sold in 8-ounce sealed plastic pouches, and 12-ounce sealed shrink wrapped plastic tubs. The label contains red, black, and green lettering. A green coconut tree appears on the top of the label above the words Coconut Tree Brand."

On July 30, 2013, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) informed Evershing International Trading, Inc., that the ginger candy contains high levels of lead that could cause health problems to consumers, particularly infants, small children and pregnant women. The company immediately segregated its entire ginger candy inventory and is notifying consumers and customers not to consume this product.

CDPH analysis found that the product contained lead levels as high as 0.12 parts per million (ppm). This concentration of lead could provide up to 10.21 micrograms of lead per serving and children under 6 years of age should not consume more than 6.0 micrograms of lead per day from all dietary sources. Therefore, sale of the ginger candy is prohibited in California.