Candy samples were collected in 2008 and we reported the concentrations in 100 units. Selected candy brands were included based on children’s report of the more frequently consumed candies. Our group previously published a study on the association of lead concentrations in candy and blood lead levels in children participating in the ELEMENT birth cohort in Mexico City. After detecting blood lead levels >10 μg/dL in Mexican migrant children (CDC, 2002), the California Public Health Department was charged with the implementation of Assembly bill 121, forbidding the importation of candy exceeding the FDA limit of 0.1 ppm of lead. In the early 2000’s Mexican candy producers faced a controversy due to candy with elevated lead levels being exported to the US. Lead affects nearly every organ and system in the human body and is a potent neurotoxic impacting children’s neurodevelopment even at very low levels.
Preventing exposure to lead is crucial, especially in vulnerable populations such as children, who can absorb between 50% and 100% of the lead ingested in a meal or an empty stomach respectively. Continued public health surveillance is needed to protect populations especially vulnerable to lead exposure, especially children. This is a concern because candies are exported and consumed in many countries worldwide potentially resulting in human exposure. Nevertheless two candy units had concentrations of 0.1 ppm of lead.Ĭonclusions: Candy may have lead concentrations up to 0.1 ppm and 1.2 μg per unit. Lead concentrations were analyzed by an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer and lead content per candy unit was calculated.įindings: We found concentrations were typically low, with a marked decrease from prior levels (2008). Methods: In 2018 we analyzed 50 additional candy samples. Food and Drug Administration’s recommended maximum lead level in candy likely to be consumed frequently by small children. Objective: To conduct a follow-up study to assess lead concentrations in candy brands that we previously reported with concentrations ≥0.1ppm the U.S. This first report garnered media and the general public’s attention. We previously reported a positive association between lead concentrations found in candy and concurrent blood lead levels in Mexican children. There is no safe level for lead, therefore preventing exposure is crucial. Children are particularly susceptible since they can absorb between 50% and 100% of ingested lead. Background: Lead is a neurotoxic metal potentially affecting the developing brain.
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