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Transformer Candies Recalled for Lead

By Dan Flynn and Suzanna Schreck

On Friday the California Department of Public Health released a statement warning the public not to consume Trans Formers 'Revenge of the Fallen" Crunchy Candies. This statement follows a random test the agency performed that came back showing lead levels over twice California's legal limit. The candies were manufactured in China and distributed by Au'some, Inc. located in New Jersey. Only one batch of candies was infected with high levels of lead, and each package has a Lot #09168. The number is printed in black ink on the clear plastic seam at the back of the packaging. Each package is 4.5 oz and has a clear portion of the cover through which you can see the pink, blue, purple, and orange hard candies. The candies were sold exclusively at 99 Cent Only stores throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, and Texas. Au'some, Inc. has initiated a voluntary recall of the candy since learning of the results of the California Department of Health test. Lead poisoning can lead to serious medical complications. Children who are infected are normally asymptomatic, or if they do show symptoms they are often extremely subtle. These symptoms can manifest as hyperactivity, irritability, sleeplessness, and lack of concentration. More severe poisoning can be accompanied by hearing problems, headaches, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, constipation, muscle soreness, anemia, neurological impairment, seizures, and coma.

It should be noted that even mild lead poisoning can lead to neurological damage. It is important to contact your physician immediately if either you or your child have eaten these candies. This is especially important for pregnant women. The Candies contained 0.27 parts per million (ppm) of lead, and California health law considers any food item with 0.10 ppm or more contaminated and unfit for human consumption. If you have found any Transformers 'Revenge of the Fallen" Crunchy Candies please call the California Department of Public Health Complaint Hotline at (800) 495-3232.

Full post as published by Food Safety News on August 10, 2010 (boomark / email).