lead found in mexican candy

shameful...

FDA could lower candy lead limit
City health officials say proposal aimed at tainted Mexican sweets lacks enforcement bite
By Kelly Brewington
Sun reporter
Originally published December 23, 2005

In an effort to combat potentially tainted sweets produced in Mexico and sold widely in American groceries, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a proposal yesterday to reduce the threshold for lead in candy.

But Baltimore health officials - who had planned to push for state legislation to attack the problem after lead-tainted candy was found in the city this fall - said they were concerned the federal rules wouldn't have enough impact.

The federal guideline recommends lowering the limit for lead in candy from 0.5 parts per million to 0.1, a standard pushed by advocates in Baltimore and other places the spicy sweets are sold. The recommendation is a draft guideline and would become final in 2006, after a mandatory 75-day public comment period, said FDA officials.
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Local health officials said the move is a step in the right direction but criticized it for lacking enforcement powers.

"The FDA is not promising that it will take candy that is higher than the limit off the market," said city Health Commissioner Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein. "The FDA has broad jurisdiction. It could take things off shelves. They could penalize distributors. They've done it before."
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The FDA's announcement comes just months after Baltimore health officials and Latino community advocates began encouraging shop owners to stop selling candies that have consistently tested high for lead. Just last week, the Baltimore Health Department said it was working with lawmakers to introduce legislation to toughen regulations to 0.1 parts per million.

Sharfstein said that, in light of the FDA guideline, the agency is still considering a bill that would enforce standards but is rethinking the scope of the legislation.

Health officials decided to take on the issue through legislation after candy sold in Baltimore revealed "levels of concern" after testing. The brands included Lucas Pelucas, a spicy tamarind fruit candy; Baby Lucas, a sweet and sour powder; Super Fresaletas; a strawberry-flavored lollipop; and Super Pinaleta, a lollipop coated with chili powder.
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