The Recall Desk
Agency classClass IIOur severity:SevereFDA (Food)·F-2148-2012·Announced 2012-09-26

Red Vines Black Licorice Twists Recalled Due to Elevated Lead Levels

American Licorice Co is recalling Red Vines Black Licorice Twists because the California Department of Public Health found elevated lead levels in random samples.

The agency’s classification

FDA (Food): Class II

Class II is a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.

This is the agency’s own classification, taken from its notice. The severity score below is our assessment, not the agency’s. How recall classes work

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall is classified as FDA Class II, and the presence of elevated lead levels in a food product constitutes a significant health hazard, aligning with the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

American Licorice Co is recalling approximately 1.5 million pounds of Red Vines Black Licorice Twists in all varieties. The recall was initiated after the California Department of Public Health collected random samples of the product and identified elevated levels of lead.

The affected products are distributed nationwide and include various package configurations such as one-pound packs, 5-oz tray packs, 7-oz laydown bags, 8-oz jumbo hanging bags, 2.5-oz bars, and 4-lb jars. The product is manufactured by American Licorice Company in Union City, CA.

Consumers who have purchased these products should stop using them and dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

The recalled product

Product
Red Vines Black Licorice Twists; No preservatives and Always Fat Free Packaged in the following configurations: One Pound Pac: Red and white Plastic bag with a window to display licorice twists. UPC 0 41364 00283 5; 5 oz Black Licorice Tray Pack; UPC 4136451277 and…

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Lot numbers (1)

  • All candy

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Part of a larger recall action

This product is one of 3 recalled by American Licorice Co under a single FDA (Food) recall action. The agency files each product separately, so the size of the action is not visible from this page alone.

See all 3 products in this recall →

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