Mexican Candy, Should it be sold in stores anymore? Options

[WhiteLotus*]

My teacher has recentley told me that over 25% of Mexican candy has the poisinous lead in it, and lucus ( spell?) being the worst. Here is some more informaiton I have gathered from a website

State Department of Health warns about dangerous Mexican candies ( 2001)

OLYMPIA — High levels of lead in some tamarind lollipops and fruit rolls from Mexico are the subject of a health warning from the state Department of Health (DOH). Consumers should avoid eating tamarind candy labeled "Bolirindo" lollipops and "Rollito di Tamarindo" fruit rolls made by Dulmex in Mexico.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alerted the public about the lollipops last week after the candies were found in the homes of three young children in California. The children, all age two, had elevated lead levels. According to results of tests conducted in California, the candy, wrappers, and lollipop sticks all contained high levels of lead.

"Awareness is the key to preventing this type of lead poisoning, "said State Health Officer Maxine Hayes, M.D./M.P.H. "We want to protect children under age six who suffer the most serious health effects from exposure to lead."

The Health Department lead program is working with the FDA and local health departments to learn how widespread the products have been distributed in Washington state. The products are common in the Yakima Valley, according to Barbara Andrews of the Yakima Health District. "Our staff found the lollipops or fruit rolls in many of the stores they visited," said Andrews.

The lollipop is a soft, dark brown tamarind fruit candy lollipop on a white or orange stick. It is wrapped in an orange-red wrapper with "BOLIRINDO" in white lettering, and a picture of a brown tamarind fruit. The fruit roll is a cigar-shaped roll with a similar wrapper.

The Department of Health is currently gathering samples of these and other Mexican tamarind candy products to be tested at the state Public Health Laboratory. Preliminary findings from California indicate these products pose a serious health threat because they contain dangerously high levels of lead.

"Lead can cause damage to the brain and nervous system, especially in young children, infants, and pregnant women," said Marcia Mueller, program manager for the state Lead Surveillance Program. "Handling or eating these products could expose children to dangerously high levels of lead causing problems that could last a lifetime."

"Children with lead poisoning typically do not look or act sick," said Mueller. "Parents should keep these candies out of children’s hands and not let them eat it. If parents suspect that their child has handled or eaten this candy, consult your family doctor about a simple blood lead test."

These Dulmex brand tamarind candy products are commonly repackaged under the brand names "Casa de Dulce," "Juanita’s," "Mojave," and "Payoso."


I personally think that it should be banned. It's being sold at my school, and I don't think it should be sold. Lead causes brain damage and learning disabilities.
I don't even like the way it tastes.

So, what is your opinion?

[TheSilenceInDict...]

I live in Los Angeles, where that candy is abundant.

Personally, I've eaten quite a large amount growing up, And I turned out fine...I think.

Honestly, It's quite disturbing to hear that. Actually makes me sick to the stomach.
Ban that candy, There's so much more that's better.
Good thing I kept away from it after the ice cream truck stopped passing by my house.
Man, Lucas was my favorite...They even have Lucas ice cream bars. Those rock. Lead or no lead, I'm getting one tomorrow. Yum. Lead.

[IIO__oII]

ugh. gag. i hate lucas. ew. x/
i think it should be BANNED FROM EVERYWHERE!
JP. but still, its gross.

[Just_Dream]

I live in Los Angeles, where that candy is abundant.

Personally, I've eaten quite a large amount growing up, And I turned out fine...I think.

Honestly, It's quite disturbing to hear that. Actually makes me sick to the stomach.
Ban that candy, There's so much more that's better.
Good thing I kept away from it after the ice cream truck stopped passing by my house.
Man, Lucas was my favorite...They even have Lucas ice cream bars. Those rock. Lead or no lead, I'm getting one tomorrow. Yum. Lead.

oO! I like the sweeter, brownish lucas ice cream. I twas soo good mm. Eek, I can't believe that it's so dangerous! Hm.. but it tstes so good.. Bleh the only mexican candy i really want right now is called "Vero balls." They're these spicy-sweet little chewy balls that are the Vero mexican candy brand. I haven't had those in a while.



Bleh but i've stayed away from alot of mexican candy lately. Thanks for the info.

[inlonelinessidie]

I heard that the candy that has been contaminated cannot cross the border; the only way that it can do so is by getting it illegally. I've eaten so much Mexican candy, considering that I used to live near the border, and I have turned out fine. It just depends on which one you're eating. And if you do end up dying, hey man at least you die happy right?

[KaRaoKe_sLut]

Whoa... uh yEah I'm just glad they didn't say anything about Pelo Pelo Con Rico.. mmmm.. I love Tamarind. So that is not cool to hear this news because now I'm going to get paranoid. Maybe I'll just have to stick to Tamarind from the Phillipines. Not too sad about Lucas though.. >bLeh< I hate Lucas. It was real hype in middle school but I can't stand that stuff.

[Prometheusx]

I'll eat anything that's not going to kill me

[*x____duckii*]

People don't act or feel sick if they have lead poisoning. I've heard about what things mexican candy can do to you pretty long ago on the news. I really think it should be banned. Besides, the candy looks disgusting.

[sweetxsimplicity]

Hm, a lot of people eat Lucas though, but I think its always either way to sweet or sour.

[latin mak oh roh...]

i say...let it be. aren't there a lot of other dangerous things still out there? why single out mexican candy?

[laylooo]

i've never tried mexican candy but thats some scary stuff

[PinkTrash]

Yeah.. so scary I think it should be banned. why should you continue selling something like that?? its crazy..

[Alternativemado]

This topic is dumb! i am mexican and have been raised in a mexican communityall my life. Millions of mexicans eat candy from the homeland and those millions aren't sick or dieing. Besides mexico has lawas too food laws that prevent lead or any chemicals or substances from entering any food product. So, what i am saying is that your teacher is way WRONG!!!!! Teachers arent always correct, you know

[*AngelicEyz00*]

I'm Mexican also, and that article or whatever may still be correct but I'm fine you know? Mexican candy is so delicious, but my parents don't let me eat too much of it cuz they say I may get gastronitis(sp?) [gastritis in spanish]

[jambaJUICE]

I always thought that..
I never cared much for lucus. Or stuff like that..

But those watermelon lolly tamarind pops are good.

My friend might die.

[dafunnybunny]

i live near da tj (tijuanna) border, so we got all dat stuff. i dont really like it and i think it should be banned.

[*AngelicEyz00*]

Why don't you just not eat it There's no need for it to be banned

//edit, and it's not all "mexican candy" it was a couple certain candies distributed by a certain company which is mentioned in the article

[Alternativemado]

Yeah.. so scary I think it should be banned. why should you continue selling something like that?? its crazy..

dont agree with that

[Alternativemado]

People don't act or feel sick if they have lead poisoning. I've heard about what things mexican candy can do to you pretty long ago on the news. I really think it should be banned. Besides, the candy looks disgusting.

first, umm, just for a fact over 40% of mexican candy that is sold in the US is produced in the USA. Mexican is just like anyother candy. And they mexican candy that you guys eat is the mainstream candy which is nothing compared to our great delicious candy. The candy is not disgusting. There are worst american candy and asian candies. Most authentic mexican candy has real fruit in it.

[LatinaLady]

theres more "mexican candy" besides lucas. so instead you should have said the mexican candy lucas. Not mexican candy in general, want to know why? cuz theres many types. is the mexican chocolate poisenous, what about the lollipops? i belive not.
why dont we just ban all asian candy then.

[ComradeRed]

We need a big wall between us an Mexico.

[*AngelicEyz00*]

We have a border, that's good enough

[Spirited Away]

why dont we just ban all asian candy then.

Whitelotus had a source, though it's questionable since it's not cited, but it's still a problem or else why would it be mentioned?

But what made you say Asian candies should be banned? If it's just a random thing to say then it's just fine, but if you seriously meant it, please have facts to back it up.

I grew up with lucas. It kept me awake and I can forgo lunch with it. I'm just dandy today so I guess the poison hasn't gotten to me.

[sammi rules you]

i've never heard of any of these candies. guess they only sell em near mexico..?

and it's the people's choice if they wanna buy it. if they wanna risk it, let em.

[ComradeRed]

We have a border, that's good enough

Nah, a wall is better.