SACRAMENTO (June 18, 2008) – Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today warned consumers not to eat QI CAI BANG candy imported from China after tests by CDPH found elevated levels of lead.

“Lead exposure, both short- and long term, can be toxic, especially for infants and young children,” Horton said.  “Today’s warning is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of foods sold in California.”

QI CAI BANG candy, manufactured by Chaoan Lexiaoyao Food Industry Co. Ltd., is a thin, brown-colored candy, approximately 3 ½” long, wrapped in colorful foil.  Approximately 100 foil-wrapped candies are packed into a clear, hard plastic container measuring 3 ¾” high by 2 ½” across.  The front of the container has a white and green label with the word “Fengxi” in red and the candy name “QI CAI BANG” in white letters.  The words “Happy Easy-Going” are printed on a paper label on the red plastic lid of the container.

Recent analysis of this candy by CDPH determined that this product contained as much as 0.61 parts per million (ppm) of lead.  California considers candies with lead levels in excess of 0.10 ppm to be contaminated.

Consumers in possession of QI CAI BANG candy should discard it immediately.  Pregnant women and parents of children who may have consumed this candy should consult their physician or health care provider to determine if medical testing is needed.    

For more information about lead poisoning, consumers are advised to contact their local childhood lead poisoning prevention program or public health department. Additional information and a list of local childhood lead prevention programs is available at: http://www.cdph.ca.gov/healthinfo/discond/Pages/CLPPBChildrenAtRisk.aspx

Consumers who find QI CAI BANG candy, manufactured by Chaoan Lexiaoyao Food Industry Co. Ltd., for sale are encouraged to call the CDPH Complaint Hotline at 1-800-495-3232.

Further information, including photos, is available at:   www.cdph.ca.gov

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