Lead Concentrations in Mexican Candy: A Follow-Up Report

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Toxicology
• Pediatric Health

Background:

• Lead is a neurotoxic metal that particularly affects children's developing brains.
• Children absorb a high percentage of ingested lead, making exposure prevention critical.
• Previous research linked lead in candy to elevated blood lead levels in Mexican children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To re-evaluate lead concentrations in candy brands previously found to exceed 0.1 parts per million (ppm).
• To assess current lead levels against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) recommended maximum for frequently consumed candies by children.

Main Methods:

• Analyzed 50 additional candy samples in 2018.
• Measured lead concentrations using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer.
• Calculated lead content per individual candy unit.

Main Results:

• Lead concentrations were generally low, showing a decrease from 2008 levels.
• Two candy units still contained lead concentrations at the 0.1 ppm threshold.
• Some candies reached up to 0.1 ppm lead and 1.2 μg per unit.

Conclusions:

• Candies can contain lead levels of concern (up to 0.1 ppm and 1.2 μg/unit), posing a risk as they are exported globally.
• International consumption of contaminated candies can lead to widespread human exposure.
• Ongoing public health monitoring is essential to safeguard populations, especially children, from lead exposure.