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?