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Lead Found In Licorice Made By Union City Firm

UNION CITY (CBS / AP) -- California health officials are warning consumers not to eat black licorice twist candies made by a Union City candy company because they contain too much lead.

>> Recall Information from American Licorice Co.

California Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ron Chapman said tests found that Red Vines-brand black licorice packages with a best before Feb. 4, 2013 date have lead levels that exceed state standards.

Chapman said analysis found a serving of the candy could provide up to 13.2 micrograms of lead.

The state said pregnant women and children under 6 shouldn't consume more than 6.0 micrograms of lead per day.

The candies are sold in a one-pound package and are labeled "Black Licorice Twists" under the Red Vines label, manufactured and distributed by American Licorice Co. of Union City.

The company has initiated a voluntary recall of the affected lot.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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