SACRAMENTO – Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and state health officer, on Wednesday warned consumers not to eat Red Vines Black Licorice Twists candy, “Best Before” 020413, after tests conducted by CDPH found the products contained levels of lead that exceeded the state’s standards.

Consumers in possession of the candy should discard it immediately, officials said.

Red Vines Black Licorice Twists candy is sold in a one-pound package that is light red with Red Vines name in bold white letters. The black licorice candy shows through the package. The words ‘Black Licorice Twists’ appear towards the bottom of the package.

Red Vines Black Licorice Twists candy is manufactured and distributed by American Licorice Co., Union City, Calif.

American Licorice Co. has initiated a voluntary recall of the affected lot.

CDPH is currently working with the manufacturer to ensure that the contaminated candies are removed from the market place.

Recent analysis of this candy by CDPH determined that Red Vines Black Licorice Twists candy, “Best Before” 020413, contained as much as 0.33 parts per million of lead.

This concentration of lead could provide up to 13.2 micrograms of lead per serving. Children under 6 years of age should not consume more than 6.0 micrograms of lead per day from all dietary sources.

Pregnant women and parents of children who may have eaten this candy should consult their physician or health care provider to determine if medical testing is needed.

Additional information, including photos of the affected product, is available on the CDPH Web site, www.cdph.ca.gov .

Consumers who find this candy for sale should call the CDPH Complaint Hotline at 800-495-3232.

For more information about lead poisoning, contact your county childhood lead poisoning prevention program or public health department.

Additional information is available on the CDPH Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention page, www.cdph.ca.gov/healthinfo/discond/Pages/CLPPBChildrenAtRisk.aspx , and the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Lead and Lead-Contaminated Products Web page, www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/Pages/LeadFAQ.aspx .