Firms to Remove Lead From Candy

Three international food companies have taken steps to remove lead from candy sold in the United States and Mexico as part of a settlement announced by prosecutors Thursday. The firms also agreed to pay nearly $1 million to help the industry address the issue.

Los Angeles City Atty. Rocky Delgadillo, who joined state Atty. Gen. Bill Lockyer in the litigation leading to the settlement, said it already had resulted in the reduction of lead in “Mexican-style” candy found in Los Angeles supermarkets.

“What we have accomplished through this litigation is nothing less than a fundamental shift in the way this candy is produced -- a shift that will give untold hundreds of thousands of children a chance at a better life,” Delgadillo said at a news conference announcing the settlement.

The agreement settles allegations that California’s Proposition 65 was violated when consumers were not warned about dangerous amounts of lead in candy produced in Mexico by Effem Master foods, a subsidiary of Mars Corp.; Grupo Lorena, a subsidiary of Hershey Foods Corp.; and Vero Cos.

The firms agreed to reformulate their products and to change manufacturing practices to keep lead out. In some cases, acidic contents of the candy caused lead in the packaging to leach into the treats, Delgadillo said.

Robert Falk, an attorney for the three companies, said the firms have taken steps to ensure that lead is not contaminating candy.

“The companies don’t agree that any candy they ever sold would be associated with lead poisoning,” he said.

High levels of lead can cause birth defects, learning disabilities, hearing loss and cancer. Delgadillo said 22 other candy makers are allegedly selling candy with unhealthy levels of lead, and they have been given permission to enter the settlement if they choose.

The nearly $1 million to be paid by the three candy makers will be used to help other firms conduct lead testing on their products.

The lead in brands of candy produced by the firms was brought to the attention of authorities by groups that included the Environmental Health Coalition.