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Get the lead out

Legislators and regulatory agencies are taking aim at unacceptable levels of lead in candy and candy wrappers. A bill introduced by Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) aimed at reducing lead in children’s products also would force the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to follow up on its July 2005 letter to candy manufacturers and importers of Mexican candy asking them to halt imports until companies guarantee that the wrappers are lead-free.

CPSC regulates wrappers.

More than a year ago, the FDA announced efforts to reduce lead levels in candy but has yet to finalize any documents. According to FDA, a young child might exceed the allowable daily lead limits by eating one piece of tainted candy sold under current regulations.

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