PREGNANT WOMEN - WATCH OUT FOR LEAD IN LICORICE!

I notice that my old post on lead in candy is being read by a lot of people right now. No wonder. There is another warning out for U.S. licorice lovers (including my husband). This time it is high levels of lead in licorice twists.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recently had some bad news for American Licorice Company of Union City, California. This company is now recalling 16 oz. Red Vines® Black Licorice Twists due to elevated levels of lead. At the present time, the recall and alert are only for the one pound bag (16 oz.) of Red Vines® Black Licorice Twists with "Best Before Date" of 020413. But as we know by now, these recalls often expand. And who knows what other companies will become involved.

Most at risk are pregnant women, small children, and particularly infants. The fetus is especially vulnerable, which is why I would suggest pregnant women avoid all licorice, at least for the present time. It just isn't worth it.

For more information, including symptoms of lead poisoning, read my earlier post of January 28, 2011, "Why is Lead in Candy." See also "Lead in Costco Licorice" which is more recent (August 10 of this year).

To your good health,
TSF