San Antonio Importer Recalls Second Mexican Candy

A San Antonio-based importer of Mexican candy recalled a second candy after state health officials found lead at levels considered hazardous by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Villa-Mex Imports Inc. voluntarily recalled Tarritos, a sweet dark reddish brown paste manufactured by Productos Avila, S.A. The candy is sold in mug-shaped glass jars with a green label.

The Texas Department of State Health Services found lead levels ranging from 0.0857 to 0.125 parts per million. The FDA considers anything above 0.1 parts per million potentially hazardous.

Earlier this month, Villa-Mex recalled another product by the same manufacturer. The sweet paste sold as “Barrilitos” also had high lead levels.

No cases of illness have been linked to either candy, but prolonged lead exposure can lead to illness and delayed mental and physical development in children.

Texas Department of State Health Services: www.dshs.state.tx.us