CDPH Announces Jaggery Candy Recall

Consumers should avoid two types of jaggery candies imported from India after California Department of Public Health tests found high lead levels in the sweets, CDPH Director Dr. Ron Chapman announced last week.

Laxmi Brand Rewadi Jaggery and HB Brand Rewari Gur-Flat Jaggery contained as much as 0.15 ppm and 1.10 ppm of lead, respectively, according to tests performed by the CPDH. Candies with lead levels higher than 0.10 ppm are considered contaminated in California.

Hayward, Calif.-based House of Spices distributes Laxmi Brand Rewadi Jaggery candy. The candy is packaged in a 200-gram (7-ounce) clear plastic package with a red and yellow border with the words "Rewadi (Jaggery)" in black text on a yellow background.

HB Brand Rewari Gur-Flat Jaggery candy is distributed by Nuts & Spice Co. in Union City, Calif. Those candies are sold in a 800-gram (28-ounce) clear plastic package with a red label in the center. A yellow logo with the text "HB" appears at the top of the label, and the text "Rewari Gur-Flat (Jaggery Candy)" is in the center of the label.

Both brands' candies are flat, light brown, oval-shaped and contain seeds, according to the CDPH.

The CDPH is working with the distributors to ensure contaminated candies are removed from store shelves, according to a news release. Consumers who find the candies for sale should call the CDPH Complaint Hotline at 800-495-3232.

Jaggery candies are made from unrefined cane sugar molded into shapes.