❋ Detoxcellence

Imported Candy (Lead)

Certain imported tamarind, chili or clay-based sweets.

53Moderate burden · out of 100
Cleaner swapReputable domestic brands; avoid candies in unlabeled or ceramic wrappers

How this score is built

  1. 100Start
  2. 72.4Chemical hazard 6 × 4.6−27.6
  3. 65.6Everyday exposure 2 × 3.4−6.8
  4. 53Persistence 5 × 2.6−13, then rounded to 53
  5. ModerateThe band53 sits in 40–59.

What each input rests on

The three ratings behind the score, and the studies each rests on
InputRatingEvidence
Chemical hazard6/10unsourced input
Everyday exposure2/10

  • Oklahoma testing of two imported tamarind suckers found over half exceeded the FDA level of concern for lead; a child eating a quarter to a half of one a day would exceed the FDA's provisional tolerable intake, and the wrappers were high in lead.

    Lead-contaminated imported tamarind candy and children's blood lead levels · Public Health Rep 2000

    DOI 10.1093/phr/115.6.537 · PMID 11354337 · Abstract · read 2026-10-09

Persistence5/10unsourced input

Ratings are editorial. A study listed here supports the rating; it did not compute it. How the index is built

What this means for you

The chemical-hazard rating is what drives the score down. California and the FDA have documented lead in some imported candies, traced to chili powder, tamarind and the ink or ceramic of the wrapper. Children are most vulnerable; choosing regulated brands avoids the risk.

Evidence strength: moderate

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