SACRAMENTO (September 26, 2008) - Dr. Bonnie Sorensen, chief deputy director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today warned consumers not to eat any flavors of White Rabbit Candy imported and distributed by Queensway Foods Company (QFCO, Inc) of Burlingame, California.  The candy is a product of China.  QFCO, Inc. is voluntarily recalling the product after CDPH testing detected the presence of melamine in some candies at levels up to 520 parts per million.

Melamine is a chemical compound used in a number of commercial and industrial applications. Melamine has been associated with contaminated infant formula and other milk protein containing products in China.  It also has been associated with a large recall of pet food.  

Consumers in possession of White Rabbit Candy should discard the candy immediately.  At this time, there are no known illnesses associated with consumption of the candy.  Individuals who have consumed the candy and have questions about the heath impact should consult their health care provider.  

 QFCO, Inc. has initiated a voluntary recall of all varieties of White Rabbit Candies including:

White Rabbit Creamy Candies; 8-ounce and 16-ounce packages with white background.

White Rabbit Red Bean Creamy Candies, 7-ounce package with red background.

White Rabbit Coffee Creamy Candy; 7-ounce package with yellow background.

White Rabbit Corn Flavour Creamy Candies; 7-ounce package with yellow background.

White Rabbit Lychee Flavored Candy; 7-ounce package with red background.

White Rabbit Assorted Creamy Candy (chocolate, coffee and coconut flavored); 7-ounce package with clear background.

White Rabbit Mango Flavored Candy; 7-ounce package with yellow background.

White Rabbit Strawberry Cream Candy; 7-ounce package with pink background.

White Rabbit Candy comes in plastic bags with individually wrapped pieces of candy inside. All varieties of the candies have a picture of a white rabbit with a black background on the top of the bag.  

CDPH is currently obtaining retail-level distribution information from the QFCO, Inc. and will provide this information to the public as soon as it is available.  Consumers with questions about the recalled product may contact QFCO, Inc at (650) 697-6633. 

CDPH continues to work with US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to assist in the inspection and evaluation of imported food items that could contain milk or milk protein from China.   

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

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