Red Vines Black Licorice Recalled Over Lead Levels

WASHINGTONAmerican Licorice Company, a Union City, Calif., firm, is recalling 16-ounce bags of Red Vines® Black Licorice Twists because they contain elevated levels of lead, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced last week.

The recall involves 1-pound bags of Red Vines® Black Licorice Twists containing "Best Before Date" of 020413. The recall was initiated after the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) found the candy contained lead levels as high as .33 parts per million (ppm). This concentration of lead could provide up to 13.2 micrograms of lead per serving; children under age 6 years should not consume more than 6.0 micrograms of lead per day from all dietary sources.