FDA Moves To Decrease Lead In Candy

http://wcbs880.com/medicine/health_story_356135759.html


The FDA proposed Thursday a stricter recommended limit on the amount of lead, a highly toxic metal, allowable in certain types of children's candy.

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Most domestic and imported candies already meet the stricter lead threshold. However, the FDA moved to lower the limit from an earlier half a part per million after the sampling of imported candy from Mexico and after information from other sources revealed additional ingredients used in some sweets can boost the lead content beyond allowable levels. Those ingredients include chili powder and some salts.

Lead poisoning is linked to behavioral problems and learning disabilities and can even cause seizures or death. Children age 6 and younger are most at risk of lead poisoning as their bodies are growing quickly.
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I'm wondering if this is true about Mexican candy or a ploy to annoy Mexico?

As much of it as I use I must be in trouble.

because we have a higher than average rate of lead poisoning among our kids. We have had several medical students and researchers look at our kids. Most say they think the reason we have so many more with lead poisoning is not because many of them live in older homes which likely have lead paint (which is what we thought all along) but rather because so many are Mexican and spend time in Mexico and eat lots of Mexican candy.

I was stunned the first time I heard this a couple years ago. But apparently it's true. We are now trying to persuade our parents who are Mexican to hold off on the Mexican candy.

what ingredient, or manufacturing equip.?

Like I said, we assumed it came from the paint in the older homes that dominate the neighborhood that our school serves. But the docs are telling us they are more concerned about Mexican candy and other foods. They are following a few kids with testing after they return from trips to Mexico.

If they tell us anything revealing, I will be sure to post it here on DU.

That's why American corporations (automakers, for instance) were so anxious to go there.

The candy issue sort of stands to reason.