Candy With Lead Taken Off Shelves

Thousands of pieces of Tama Roca, a Mexican-made candy that contains dangerous levels of lead, have been removed from 30 Long Beach markets, and health officials Friday warned the public not to eat or touch the product.

“This candy is very popular with the Hispanic population,” said Ron Arias, director of the Long Beach Health and Human Services Department, noting that Long Beach has 165,000 Latinos, according to the 2000 Census.

“To find lead in a candy product is alarming,” Arias said. “It’s a hazard more usually found in paint. It has severe consequences. We found people in the city manager’s office [who] had Tama Roca in their desks.”

Lead is toxic to humans, particularly infants, young children and pregnant women, in both short- and long-term exposures. It can damage the central nervous system, resulting in learning disabilities, behavior disorders and “other problems that could last a lifetime,” said Felix Aguilar, Long Beach’s public health physician.

Those who suspect exposure should seek a blood test or may call (562) 570-4203.

Also Friday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced recalls of Asian-made gel candies that have caused six American children to fatally choke. The recalls by Hanmi Inc. and Hocean Inc., both of California, and New York-based Mon Chong Loong Trading Corp. bring to at least 18 the number of recalls of conjac jelly candy, also known as konjac, konnyakku or yam flour.

The sticky candy is sold under dozens of brand names and often comes with an embedded piece of fruit that doesn’t easily dissolve. Recalled were Hanmi’s Conjac Coconut Jelly; Hocean’s Jelly Cups, also sold under the names Great Western Foods, New Choice and Fuji; and Mon Chong Loong’s My Love brand, lychee flavor.

Tama Roca is among several candies--many containing tamarind--identified by the state as containing high lead levels.

Long Beach health inspectors were visiting a Mexican meat market in the city when they spotted the brightly wrapped candy. Tests later revealed lead in the wrappers and in some candy.

Tama Roca, which is soft and dark brown, comes on a stick or as individually wrapped pieces.