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Did You Know There Is Lead In Some Candy From Mexico?

Did You Know There Is Lead In Some Candy From Mexico?. Candy has been tested in California Lead has been found in candy made in Mexico with chili and tamarind Even small amounts of lead are very dangerous to young children. Is this true or are people just picking on Mexico?.

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Did You Know There Is Lead In Some Candy From Mexico?

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  1. Did You Know There Is Lead In Some Candy From Mexico?

  2. Candy has been tested in California Lead has been found in candy made in Mexico with chili and tamarind Even small amounts of lead are very dangerous to young children Is this true or are people just picking on Mexico?

  3. How is the lead getting into candy? • Lead in the candy can come from many places • Thesoil where chilies are grown • The factories where candy is made • The ink on the candy wrappers

  4. Why lead is getting into candy • Lead in the dirt • Dirty factories • Chilies grown in dirt and not washed • Chilies packed in bags with lead weights

  5. What is lead poisoning and how does it hurt children? • Lead is a dangerous metal found in nature • Lead is very harmful to a child’s brain • It can cause serious problems with learning and behavior • Problems can’t be reversed

  6. Lead poisoning hurts children • A child can have lead poisoning and not look or act sick • Even very small amounts of lead are not safe for children

  7. I grew up eating candy made in Mexico and there is nothing wrong with me! • It is only in the last 10 years that candy has been tested for lead • No one is sure if lead in candy from Mexico is a new problem or an old problem • What we are sure of is that lead may be very dangerous for children, even in small amounts

  8. What should I do for my children and family? • Children and pregnant women should avoid candy made in Mexico that is not on the safe candy list • Ask your health care provider to give your child a blood lead test • Most children are tested when they have their regular check-up at 1 and 2 years old

  9. Is there any way to know which candy has lead? • See a list of safe candy at www.leadinmexicancandy.com • Not all candy has been tested • Candy that has been found to have lead so far contains either chili or tamarind • Candy companies are starting to change how they make candy and testing for lead

  10. Good habits also help • Give children 3 meals and snacks every day • A full stomach will help keep lead from going into the body • Give foods with calcium and iron

  11. Foods High In Calcium • Milk • Yogurt • Dried figs • Cheese • Broccoli • Bread fortified with calcium

  12. Foods High In Iron • Cereals fortified with Iron • Liver • Dark green, leafy vegetables • Chicken • Dried fruits • Lean meats • Breads

  13. Have your child tested for lead • All children should be tested at 1 and 2 years old • Ask about testing at your doctor’s visit • Children should be tested at any age if they have never been tested before • You can get tested for free with Medi-Cal or by contacting your local CLPPP for more information

  14. What is being done about lead in candy? • The U.S. and Mexico are working together • Mexican and American companies in Mexico are being visited • Over 100 candies have been tested • Some candy is banned from the U.S.

  15. What else is being done? • Factories are being cleaned • Chilies are being washed • Candy wrappers and containers are being made safe

  16. What is happening in California? • We have California Law AB 121 • Candy with lead can’t be sold in California • The health department issues a warning when lead is found in candy • Stores that sell candy are being alerted

  17. Candy with lead may still be in stores • Not everyone knows about lead in candy • Small stores, ice cream trucks or carts may not know • Ask the person you buy candy from if they know • Make sure the store owners buy candy from certified retailers

  18. Just remember... • Chili and tamarind candy made in Mexico may have lead • You can’t tell if candy has lead in it just by looking at it or tasting it

  19. Make sure you... • Only give candy made in Mexico to children if it is on the lead-safe list • Only eat candy that is on the lead-safe candy list if you are pregnant • Get your child tested for lead

  20. How can I get more information about lead? • Talk to a health care provider • Contact your County Childhood Lead Prevention Program • Find out more at www.leadinmexicancandy.com or www.dulcesconplomo.com

  21. Where to get information on lead poisoning • www.leadinmexicancandy.com • California Childhood Lead Prevention Program - CLPPP Programs http://www.dhs.ca.gov/childlead/html/POclpppC.html#clpppC • California Food & Drug Branch http://www.dhs.ca.gov/fdb/ • California Health Department http://www.dhs.ca.gov/childlead/ • California Poison Control System www.calpoison.org

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