Transformer Candies Recalled Over Lead

Candy manufacturer, Au’some, Inc., has initiated a voluntary recall of its ”Transformers® Crunchy Candies”—lot number “09168”—which were sold exclusively through the ”99 Cents Only” stores in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Texas.

Au’some was notified by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Food & Drug Branch (FDB) on August 4th, 2010 that <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/practice_areas/toxic_substances">lead levels in samples collected by the Department exceeded California tolerance levels for lead in candy products.

David Tsu, CEO of Au’some said, “Because the health and safety of children are our highest priority, Au’some is committed to taking every necessary step to ensure the safety and quality of our products. Au’some is issuing this voluntary recall to ensure that any products with suspect quality or safety issues are removed from the marketplace.”

The candy was distributed in 4.5 oz packages with UPC number 66097311718-3 and consists of compressed, hard candies which are pink, orange, blue, and purple in color. Candies are visible through the package. Lot number “09168” is printed on each individual bag in black ink on the clear plastic seam on the back of the packaging.

To date, no illnesses have been reported connected to this recall; however, effects of lead poisoning and exposure are not always immediately evident or identifiable.

A known neurotoxin, lead exposure can cause brain and nervous system damage in children and fetuses. The toxin also causes behavioral and learning problems, slowed growth, hearing problems, headaches, mental and physical retardation, and behavioral and other health problems. Of particular concern is the developing brain because negative influences can have long-lasting effects and can continue well into puberty and beyond. Lead is known to cause cancer and reproductive harm and, in adults, can damage the nervous system. In high doses, lead poisoning can cause seizure, coma, and death. Once poisoned by lead, no organ system is immune; experts agree that there is no safe level of lead.

MyNews4 reported that CDPH Director, Dr. Mark Horton, warned consumers not to eat TransFormers Revenge of the Fallen Crunchy Candies from one identified, recalled lot. If you are a consumer and have purchased a bag of this specific lot of candy, please return it to your retailer, for a full refund or product replacement.

MyNews4 wrote that the recalled Au’some TransFormers Revenge of the Fallen Crunchy Candies are imported from China and distributed by Au’some, Inc., in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey. A recent analysis of the recalled candy revealed that lot number 09168, contained as much as 0.27 parts per million (ppm) of lead, which exceeds California’s maximum acceptable lead level 0.10 ppm, which means that the recalled candy is considered to be contaminated, explained MyNews4.

Pregnant women and parents, guardians, and caretakers of children who may have consumed the recalled, tainted TransFormers Revenge of the Fallen Crunchy Candies should consult their physician or health care provider to determine if medical testing is called for, said MyNews4. Consumers who find these recalled candies for sale are asked to call the CDPH Complaint Hotline, toll-free, at 800-495-3232, added MyNews4.