A consumer alert was released on Friday by the California Attorney General’s office warning of dangerous levels of lead in dried plum fruit in several products sold in San Diego
Retailers received letters from California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office demanding the immediate removal of products from shelves in San Diego. Testing of the products revealed it “far exceed” the maximum allowable dosage under the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, which requires a warning for products that cause lead exposures in excess of 0.5 micrograms per day. Other provisions of state law prohibit the products from being sold anywhere in California, the AG’s Office said.
According to a press release, the remaining products are sold in the San Francisco Bay Area.
“When Californians go into a supermarket to purchase their favorite treat, they shouldn’t have to worry about whether that product might harm them or their children,” said Bonta. “The fact is: Lead is a known public health hazard, and exposure to this neurotoxin can have lasting health consequences. Testing by my office revealed dangerous levels of lead in dried plum fruits and candies being sold at retail outlets across our state. We’re directing retailers to remove these products from their shelves, but if you already have them in your pantry, please check to see if they match the products we’ve identified — and do not consume them if so.
The products sold in San Diego are:
— El Chavito Saladitos Enchilados Salted Plums W/Chili;
— El Leoncito Ponchin Saladitos con Chile/Dry Salted Plums with Chili;
— El Super Leon Saladitos/Dry Salted Plums with Chili & Chamoy;
— Hola Lobito Fresco Ciruela Salada Sabor Limon/Lemon Flavored Salted Plum;
— La Fiesta Saladitos Con Chile/Salted Plums with Chili.
Products sold by online retailers include:
— Alamo Candy Saladitos Con Limon/Dried Salted Plums with Lemon;
— Lupag Saladitos Con Chile/Chile Salted Plums;
— Spice and Chili Saladitos with Chili;
— Snackerz Saladitos (Salted Plums).
