Union City Firm Expands Recall Of Black Licorice Candy

SACRAMENTO (CBS SF) – A recall of popular black licorice candies made by a Bay Area firm has been expanded over the same lead contamination fears that led to the earlier recall.

Union City-based American Licorice Company, which recalled its Red Vines brand Black Licorice Twists in August, now includes two other product groups in the recall: the Red Vines Family Mix and Red Vines Mixed Bites and Snaps.

California Department of Public Health director Dr. Ron Chapman warned consumers not to eat the products after American Licorice determined they contain levels of lead exceeding the state's standards.

The CDPH said consumers were advised to discard it immediately. Pregnant women and parents of children who may have eaten this candy should consult their health care provider to see if medical testing is needed, according to the CDPH.

Red Vines Sugar Free Black Licorice and Red Flavor Licorice were not subject to the recall.

The following products were included in the expanded recall:

Black Licorice Bar, 2.5 oz.
Jumbo Black Licorice Hanging Bag, 8 oz.
Black Licorice Tray, 5 oz.
Black Licorice Laydown Bag, 7 oz.
Black Licorice Laydown Bag, 16 oz.
Black Licorice Jar, 4 lbs.

Mixed Bites Hanging Bag, 8 oz.
Mixed Bites Bag, 16 oz.
Family Mix Laydown Bag, 24 oz.
Family Mix Laydown Bag, 32 oz.

Snaps Hanging Bag, 5.5 oz.
Snaps Theater Box, 4.5 oz.
Snaps Tin, 12 oz.

For more information on the recall, visit www.cdph.ca.gov.

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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)