SACRAMENTO – Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and state health officer, today warned consumers not to eat Gold Plum candy imported from Taiwan after tests conducted by CDPH found the products contained levels of lead that exceed the state’s standards. Consumers in possession of the candy should discard it immediately.
Recent analysis of this candy by CDPH determined that Gold Plum candy contained as much as 0.29 parts per million (ppm) of lead. California considers candies with lead levels in excess of 0.10 ppm to be contaminated.
Gold Plum candy is sold in a 6-ounce package that has black, gold, green and orange stripes at the top and bottom. In the top right corner there is an image of a small girl with a white face and brown hair, wearing an orange outfit. The name ‘Gold Plum Candy’ appears in the lower left corner. The individually wrapped candy has various Asian characters on the wrapping.
Gold Plum candy is imported and distributed by Roxy Trading Inc., Pomona, CA, which has initiated a voluntary recall after being notified of the test results by CDPH. CDPH is currently working with the distributor to ensure that the contaminated candies are removed from the market place.
Pregnant women and parents of children who may have eaten this candy should consult their physician or health care provider to determine if medical testing is needed.
Consumers who find this candy for sale should call the CDPH Complaint Hotline at 1‑800-495-3232. For more information about lead poisoning, contact your county childhood lead poisoning prevention program or public health department.