Recall Announcement  (ODA/ODH) 2001-22

August 20, 2001

Villarreal Distributors Recalls Jarritos Tamarindo Candy in Clay Pots Because of Health Risk

San Antonio, Texas - August 17, 2001 -- Villarreal Distributors of San Antonio, Texas, is recalling over 20,000 candy containing clay pots of JARRITOS brand Tamarindo candy because the candy has been found to contain excessive levels of lead. Lead is very toxic and dangerous to humans, especially children, women of childbearing age, pregnant women and their unborn children. Although people with lead in their blood often do not exhibit the symptoms of lead toxicity, such symptoms include the following: stomach aches, colic, nausea, vomiting, abnormal irritability, and insomnia. Lead can also permanently damage the central nervous system, resulting in learning difficulties in school children as well as cause other long-term health problems.

The JARRITOS brand Tamarindo candy was distributed in IL, OH, WI, NJ, MI, IA, MO, MN, IN, TN, KY, NE, SC, AL and MD, through retail sites, especially ethnic markets, stores and bakeries that cater to Latinos. The product is imported from Mexico, manufactured by La Barca II Dulceria in Jalisco, Mexico.

The product is sold as 12 candy containing clay pots per labeled package. The label says JARRITOS and Tamarindo 100% Natural with a picture of a boy. Each pot is also individually packaged in an unlabeled clear plastic bag and some retail sites may sell the pots individually. Each pot contains approximately 30 grams of the candy.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the Food and Drug Administration that revealed that the candy had levels as high as 4.60 ppm. It is believed the lead has leached from the clay pots into the candy.

Consumers are urged not to consume the product and return any product in their possession to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions should contact Villarreal Distributors at (210) 224-9720.