By James Lanaras

April 24, 2008

The California Department of Public Health on Wednesday warned consumers about candy and gum imported from Mexico that contain high levels of lead.

The warning applies to Chaca Chaca Chacatrozo candy and Dulces Yosi “MEGAPACK” gum.

Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health, said the gum contains as much as 0.58 parts per million of lead.

California considers products contaminated if they contain in excess of 0.10 parts per million.

A recent analysis of the Chaca Chaca Chacatrozo candy found it contained as much as 0.30 parts per million of lead, Horton said.

“Lead exposure can be harmful, especially for infants, young children and pregnant women. (This) warning is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of foods sold in California,” Horton said.

The gum was distributed by Surtido Divertido of Whittier and the company is recalling the product, the Department of Public Health said.

The Department of Public Health said it is working to identify the distributors of the candy to ensure it is promptly removed from retail sales.

Consumers in possession of the candy or gum should discard them and pregnant women or parents of children who may have consumed the gum or candy should consult their health care providers to determine if medical testing is necessary.

The fruit pulp candy is coated with a brownish-red colored salt and chili powder and is packaged in a clear plastic bag containing 10 50-gram individual candies. The word “Chacatrozo” is printed in white and outlined in blue on the top and bottom of the bag and the words “Chaca Chaca” are printed across a yellow locomotive.

The gum is packaged in clear plastic and contains various types of colored toys, some of which contain multi-colored pieces of bubble gum. The word “MEGAPACK” is printed in yellow with a pinkish border and states there are 48 pieces.