Consumer Safety

Lead is a poison that can cause damage to the developing brain, nervous system, kidneys and other major organs. Children with lead poisoning may have learning and behavior problems that can last a lifetime.

Although the most common source of lead poisoning in children is lead contaminated dust from paint or soil, consumer products can also be a problem. Young children are most commonly exposed to lead in consumer products from directly mouthing an object or by handling an object and then putting their hands in their mouth. See links below to learn more about products containing lead.

• Leaded Aviation Gas
• Lead in Tap Water
• Lead in Baby Foods
• Lead in Folk Remedies
• Lead in toys
• Lipstick and lead
• Cosmetics and lead
• Lead in mini blinds
• Lead in fishing sinkers
• Protective Amulets

Surma

Surma is a significant source of lead poisoning among children in San Joaquin County.

• Learn more about surma here
• Surma flyer [English, Urdu]
  

Lead in Candy

Lead has been found in some consumer candies imported to the United States. Lead sometimes gets into the candy when the ingredients are improperly processed such as in drying, storing or grinding. In addition, the ink of the plastic or paper wrappers may contain lead that leaches into the candy. The FDA-recommended upper limit for lead in candy is 0.1 ppm.
It is not possible to tell if the candy has lead by either looking at it or tasting it. Eating even small amounts of lead can be harmful.

• Food and Drug Branch: Lead in candy test results

Shop Me Ca: Diep Bao Cream

This product is being recalled because the 10-gram tubes of cream have the potential to be contaminated with lead. Diep Bao Cream was sold nationwide through Shop Me Ca’s Facebook page and Vietnamese Moms’ Facebook groups. More information about this recall is available on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website.

• Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.
  • Complete and submit the report Online.
  • Regular Mail or Fax: Download form or call 1- 800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.
• We are encouraging parents to stop using the product and dispose of it immediately. Consumers with questions may contact the company at shopemeca91@gmail.com.
• Test children for lead exposure from these and other sources.