Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has warned consumers not to eat two jaggery candies imported from India, after tests conducted by CDPH found that both exceed the federal guideline for lead. Those candies are Laxmi Brand Rewadi Jaggery and HB Brand Rewari Gur-Flat Jaggery. Consumers in possession of these candies should discard them immediately.
CDPH testing showed that Laxmi Brand Rewadi Jaggery and HB Brand Rewari Gur-Flat Jaggery candy contained as much as 0.15 and 1.10 parts per million (ppm) of lead, respectively. California considers candies with lead levels in excess of 0.10 ppm to be contaminated. Laxmi Brand Rewadi Jaggery candy is imported and distributed by House of Spices in Hayward, CA. HB Brand Rewari Gur-Flat Jaggery candy is distributed by Nuts & Spice Co., in Union City, CA.
CDPH is working with both distributors to ensure that the contaminated candies are removed from the market place. Laxmi Brand Rewadi Jaggery candy is sold in a 200 gram (7 oz.), clear plastic package that has a red and yellow border. At the bottom of the package is the name of the candy “REWADI (JAGGERY)” in black, on a yellow background. HB Brand Rewari Gur-Flat Jaggery candy is sold in a clear plastic package with a net weight of 800 grams (28 oz.). In the center of the package is a red label. “HB” appears at the top of the label in a yellow background. “Rewari Gur – Flat (Jaggery Candy)” is in the center of the label.Both products are flat, light brown, oval-shaped and contain seeds. Both candies are visible through the package.
Pregnant women and parents of children who may have consumed this candy should consult their physician or health care provider to determine if medical testing is needed. Consumers who find either of these candies for sale are encouraged to call the CDPH Complaint Hotline at 1-800-495-3232. For more information about lead poisoning, contact your local childhood lead poisoning prevention program or public health department.
You can find additional information about these products and other food safety issues on the CDPH website.