State expands warning on eating black licorice PUBLIC HEALTH

John Nelson, (center) is the plant manager of the American Licorice Company in Union City, Calif. On the production line with workers, Teresa Loza, (left) and Cenada Gamino, on Wednesday Sept. 24, 2008. John Nelson, (center) is the plant manager of the American Licorice Company in Union City, Calif. On the production line with workers, Teresa Loza, (left) and Cenada Gamino, on Wednesday Sept. 24, 2008. Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close State expands warning on eating black licorice 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

State public health officials on Friday extended their warnings about Red Vines black licorice to all black licorice products made by American Licorice Co., a Union City candy maker.

After tests showed the candy contained high levels of lead, the California Department of Public Health on Aug. 22 advised consumers to avoid eating Red Vines Black Licorice Twists in 1-pound bags labeled "Best Before 020413."

But on Friday, the department expanded the warning to include Red Vines Black Licorice Twists, Family Mix, Mixed Bites and Snaps containing black licorice. The manufacturer initiated the voluntary recall of the products after determining they may hold levels of lead exceeding the state's standards.

The candy involved in the initial recall was found to contain as much as 0.33 parts per million of lead, which could provide up to 13.2 micrograms of lead per serving or more than twice the daily limit for children under the age of 6.

American Licorice is notifying consumers not to eat the candy and asking they return to their place of purchase for a full refund. The company also advised customers to contact its Consumer Response line at (866) 442-2783.

Red Vines Sugar Free Black Licorice and Red Flavor Licorice products are not subject to the recall.

Anyone finding the candy for sale should call the health department's complaint hotline at (800) 495-3232.