Dried plum recalls continue; lead contamination cited as reason behind actions

Rojas Inc. of Los Angeles, CA, is recalling Lupag brand plain dried salted plums in 0.5-ounce packages because they have elevated levels of lead.

The distribution of the affected product was limited to Southern California.

The “Plain Dried Salted Plums” product subject to the recall can be identified by the below label information, according to the company’s recall notice posted by the Food and Drug Administration.

This recall is being made with the knowledge of the California Department of Public Health Food & Drug Branch.

Consumers who have purchased this product are advised to dispose of it or return to place of purchase for refund, according to the recall notice. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

Consumers with questions can contact 323-266-2192 or sales@rojasinc.com.

A number of other companies have initiated recalls of their dried plums with and without chili. Please see the Food Safety News website for information on those recalls.

About lead poisoning
Lead is a toxic substance present in our environment in small amounts and everyone is exposed to some lead from daily actions such as inhaling dust, eating food, or drinking water. Exposure to larger amounts of lead can cause lead poisoning. While lead can affect nearly every bodily system, its effects depend upon the amount of and duration of lead exposure and age of the person exposed.

Symptoms can include abdominal pain, vomiting, lethargy, irritability, weakness, behavior or mood changes, delirium, seizures, and coma. However, infants, young children and the developing fetus can be affected by chronic exposure to amounts of lead that may not result in obvious symptoms of lead poisoning. A child with lead poisoning may not look or act sick. Lead poising in children can cause: learning disabilities, developmental delays, and lower IQ scores.

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