Mexican-made Pulparindo candy is recalled

WASHINGTON, July 24 (UPI) -- U.S. and California health officials urged consumers not to eat imported Mexican De La Rosa Pulparindo candy because of possible lead contamination.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said tests conducted by the California Department of Public Health found the candy contained high levels of lead that could cause health problems, particularly in infants, young children and pregnant women.

"Lead is toxic to humans, especially infants, young children and developing fetuses and can result in learning disabilities and behavioral disorders that could last a lifetime," said California Health Director Dr. Mark Horton said.

De la Rosa Pulparindo is a tamarind pulp candy packaged in 10-ounce boxes that contain individually wrapped candies. The boxes and the candy wrappings are bright red in color with the word "Pulparindo" printed in black letters.

California tests indicated the candy contained between 0.12 and 0.18 parts per million of lead. California considers foods with lead levels in excess of 0.1 ppm adulterated.

Dul-Mex Guadalajara Inc. of Hayward, Calif., the candy distributor, has initiated a voluntary recall of the product, the FDA said.