Licorice Recalled For High Lead Content. Lead Toxicity Can Cause Brain Damage, Learning Problems, Miscarriages or Birth Defects.

The American Licorice Company, in Union City California, has recalled one-pound packages of Red Vines Black Licorice Twists with the best if used before date of 020413. The packages were found to have high levels of lead.

The licorice contained as much as 0.33 parts per million of lead and could provide up to 13.2 micrograms of lead per serving. Small children under the age of 6 should not consume more than 6.0 micrograms of lead per day from all dietary sources. It is recommended that you discard the licorice. According to the Department of Public Health, parents of children who may have eaten the licorice or pregnant women should consult their physician or healthcare provider to determine if medical testing is needed.

Even though lead poisoning or lead toxicity in adults, pregnant women and children has been steadily decreasing since stricter standards have been implemented, many cases still exist. The most frequent routes of lead exposure are air, water, soil, food or consumer products. In adults, exposure to lead could also be caused by occupational exposure. According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), over 3 million workers in the United States are potentially exposed to lead while working. Lastly, some landlords or property owners who rent their properties often times do not remove lead pipes or lead paint from the apartments or homes that they rent out and tenants are unaware that they are being exposed to lead.

When lead is ingested or taken in by the body, it interferes with many of the body processes and is toxic or harmful to many vital organs or tissues including the heart, bones, intestines, kidneys, and reproductive and nervous systems. Lead in the body leads to interference with the development of the brain and nervous system and is therefore particularly toxic or dangerous to children.

The classic signs and symptoms of high levels of lead in children are a loss of appetite, abdominal or belly pain, vomiting, weight loss, constipation, anemia or low blood count, kidney failure, irritability, lethargy or tiredness, learning disabilities, behavioral problems, delays in reaching milestones, speech delays or mental retardation.

In adults, the early signs of lead poisoning can be very vague or misdiagnosed as something else. The main symptoms in adults are headache, abdominal pain, confusion, memory loss, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, loss of libido, difficulties with sleep, constipation, an unusual taste in mouth, personality changes, kidney failure, weakness, pain, or tingling in the extremities. If left undiagnosed or untreated, it could lead to seizures, coma and even death.

If you or your child has been exposed to high levels of lead you may be eligible for compensation. Here at the experienced premises liability Beasley Law Firm, our legal and medical teams have reviewed and represented many children, adults, pregnant women and workers who were potential victims of lead poisoning. Please feel free to contact one of our experienced lawyers, doctors, or nurses for a strictly confidential and free consultation.