The US Food and Drug Administration warned on Friday against letting children eat certain imported Mexican candies because of lead contamination.
A FDA statement said candy containing chilli powder and tamarind were at risk for lead contamination.
Examples of chilli-containing products included lollipops coated with chilli and powdery mixtures of salt, lemon flavour and chilli seasoning, sold as a snack item.
The FDA said candies containing the tamarind fruit, a popular Mexican item, could become contaminated with lead if sold in poorly made glazed ceramic vessels that release lead. It said "it would be prudent to not allow children to eat these products at this time."
Lead can cause permanent brain damage to infants and children and harm adults who ingest high levels of it.
The FDA said it would be working with the Mexican government and industry to resolve the problem.
It also sent a letter to manufacturers, importers, and distributors of imported candy warning of plans to step up regulatory action over lead contamination.
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