SACRAMENTO – Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and state health officer, on Friday warned consumers not to eat Santos Rewadi Sugar candy, batch number 12/030, imported from India after tests conducted by CDPH found the product contained levels of lead that exceeded the state’s standards.

Consumers in possession of the candy should discard it immediately.

Recent analysis of this candy by CDPH determined that Santos Rewadi Sugar candy, batch number 12/030, contained as much as 0.22 parts per million (ppm) of lead. California considers candies with lead levels in excess of 0.10 ppm to be contaminated.

Santos Rewadi Sugar candy, imported and distributed by Santos Inc., San Leandro, Calif., has initiated a voluntary recall.

CDPH is currently working with the distributor to ensure that the contaminated candies are removed from the marketplace.

Santos Rewadi Sugar candy product is sold in a 7-ounce (200g) package that is clear with a green and yellow border on each side with a red and white top banner that displays the brand name “Santos” written in yellow, and includes a picture of an elephant.

The bottom of the package displays the name, weight and “product of India” in a yellow rectangle and red banner.

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.

Consumers who find this candy for sale should call the CDPH Complaint Hotline at 1‑800-495-3232.

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, http://www.cdph.ca.gov/healthinfo/discond/Pages/CLPPBChildrenAtRisk.aspx .