Lucky Country Inc., recalls licorice

Aussie Style Soft Gourmet Black Licorice with Natural Ingredients pulled

Lucky Country Inc., is voluntarily recalling some of its licorice after analysis from the California Department of Health (CDPH) found elevated levels of lead in the product.

The Lincolnton, N.C.-based company has recalled Lot A3057 of Lucky Country Aussie Style Soft Gourmet Black Licorice with Natural Ingredients from Costco and Smart & FInal stores in California, Arizona, and Utah.

The CDPH found that the candy contained lead levels as high as 0.18 parts per million, which would be about 7.2 micrograms of lead per serving. California’s safe level standard for children 6 and under is 6.0 micrograms.

Those who’ve already purchased the packages should not eat the licorice and should return it to the point of purchase, Lucky Country says.

The licorice is sold in 1.5-lb. gusset bags with zippers, and the packaging is red, white and black.

Anyone with questions can contact Lucky Country at customerservice@lucky-country.com or at (828) 428-8313 during business hours.

Crystal Lindell, Former editor-in-chief of Candy Industry Magazine. While here she has worked on Candy Industry Magazine, Food Engineering Magazine and Food Safety Strategies. She holds a master’s degree in public affairs reporting from the University of Illinois – Springfield and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Western Illinois University. And her favorite breakfast is a cup of espresso and Twix bar.