Red Vines black licorice candy recalled

The American Licorice Co. voluntarily recalled 1-pound bags of its Red Vines Black Licorice Twists after the California Department of Public Health found levels of lead in the candy that exceed the state standards.

Those in possession of the candy are advised to throw it away immediately.

The department's analysis of the candy with a "best before" date of Feb. 4, 2013 showed as much as .33 parts per million of lead, which equates to 13.2 micrograms of lead per serving, officials said. Experts recommend that children under 6 not eat more than 6 micrograms a day.

"Safety is the number one priority for our company. We are taking every possible precautionary step to make this situation right, including working diligently with our retailers and public health officials in an effort to keep all Red Vines consumers as safe as possible," the company said in a statement.

The public health department urged consumers who find the candy for sale to call its hotline at 800-495-3232.

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Photo: Red Vines Black Licorice Twists candy. Credit: California Department of Public Health