NEW: Proposed standard for naturally ocurring levels of lead in candy announced by California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA):
- Proposed Adoption of New Chapter and Section Chapter 3: Naturally Occurring Lead in Candy Section 28500: Naturally Occurring Levels of Lead in Candy
- Lead in Candy Hearing Transcript - May 8, 2019 (Spanish)
If you manufacture or sell candy, please review the following important information.
Facts about candy with lead
What to do if you sell candy
What to do if you manufacture candy
- Lead has been found in some chili and tamarind candy
- Lead has also been found in some candy wrappers
- Lead damages children's brains and causes irreversible development problems
- It is against the law to sell candy that has more than .1ppm lead in California
- Stay updated on lead in candy with information from the California Department of Public Health. You can get information by phone, email or fax
- Make sure the candy companies you buy from are certified in the state of California
- Ask the companies that you buy candy from for a "Certificate of Compliance" from an independent food quality auditor
- Only sell candy that is certified to be safe for sale in California
- Display the sticker that says "We sell lead-free candy" in a visible place for customers
What to do if you manufacture candy:
- Don't let the border be a barrier to your business. Download our flier with everything you need to know about manufacturing lead-free candy products in English or Spanish
- Use lead-free packaging companies and lead-free chile powder providers and get information on audits/auditors here
- Read our frequently asked questions for manufacturers and retailers