CLASS II Food recall · Reported 26 Sep 2012 · FDA Enforcement Report

Red Vines Black Licorice Twists recalled by American Licorice

American Licorice is recalling Red Vines Black Licorice Twists, distributed nationwide in the US. The recall was initiated on 21 Aug 2012 and the FDA has classified it as Class II.

Check your package

Lot, batch or date codesAll candy

Quantity recalled`1.5 million pounds, all varieties

Do not eat it. Return it to the store for a refund or throw it away. If you have symptoms after eating it, contact a doctor.

Recall details

Recall number: F-2148-2012
FDA event ID: 62984
Recalling firm: American Licorice, Union City, CA
Classification: Class II
Status: Terminated
Recall initiated: 21 Aug 2012
FDA classified: 19 Sep 2012
Reported: 26 Sep 2012
Type: Voluntary: Firm initiated
Customers notified by: Press Release
Reason category: Lead & Heavy Metals
Product category: Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts

Timeline

21 Aug 2012	Recall initiated by company
19 Sep 2012	Classified by FDA	+29 days
26 Sep 2012	Published in enforcement report	+7 days

Companies usually start a recall weeks before the FDA classifies and publishes it; the gap above is that lag.

Reason for recall

CA Dept. of Public Health collected random samples of Red Vines Black Licorice and found elevated levels of lead in the product.

Lead and other heavy metals accumulate in the body. Children are most at risk; even low levels can affect development.

Product as listed by the FDA

Red Vines Black Licorice Twists; No preservatives and Always Fat Free Packaged in the following configurations: One Pound Pac: Red and white Plastic bag with a window to display licorice twists. UPC 0 41364 00283 5; 5 oz Black Licorice Tray Pack; UPC 4136451277 and 4136450277; 7 oz Black Licorice Laydown Bag: UPC 4136454347: 8 oz Jumbo Black twists hanging bag; UPC 4136400231; 2.5 oz Black Licorice Bar; 4 lb Black Licorice Jar, UPC 413400103; Ingredients: Molasses, Wheat Flour, corn Syrup, Caramel Coloring, Licorice Extract, Salt and Anise Flavor. American Licorice Company Union City, CA

Where it was distributed

Nationwide distribution.

Nationwide

Questions about this recall

Why was it recalled?

CA Dept. of Public Health collected random samples of Red Vines Black Licorice and found elevated levels of lead in the product.

Which lots are affected?

All candy

Where was it sold?

Nationwide distribution.

What should I do if I have it?

Do not eat it. Return it to the store for a refund or throw it away. If you have symptoms after eating it, contact a doctor.

What does Class II mean?

Class II means the product may cause temporary or medically reversible health problems, or the probability of serious harm is remote.

Read the official FDA notice · Source record retrieved 26 Sep 2026. The FDA describes openFDA data as unvalidated; the official notice takes precedence. This page reports the record and gives no medical advice.

Other products in this recall event

2 other products · FDA event 62984

This product is part of a recall event; the main page for the event is Original Snaps Classic Chewy Candy recalled by American Licorice.

Reported	Class	Recall	Company	Reason	Where
26 Sep 2012	CLASS II	Original Snaps Classic Chewy Candy recalled by American Licorice	American Licorice	Lead & Heavy Metals	Nationwide
26 Sep 2012	CLASS II	RED Vines Mixed Bites recalled by American Licorice	American Licorice	Lead & Heavy Metals	Nationwide

More recalls from American Licorice

All 6

Reported	Class	Recall	Company	Reason	Where
11 Jun 2014Food	CLASS III	Redvines Fruit Vines Bites Strawberry Artificially Flavored recalledRedvines	American Licorice	Packaging Defects	9 states
11 Jun 2014Food	CLASS III	Redvines Fruit Vines Bites Cherry Artificially Flavored recalledRedvines	American Licorice	Packaging Defects	9 states
21 Nov 2012Food	CLASS II	American Vines band Natural Vines Black Soft Licorice Twists recalled	American Licorice	Lead & Heavy Metals	Nationwide
26 Sep 2012Food	CLASS II	RED Vines Mixed Bites recalled by American Licorice	American Licorice	Lead & Heavy Metals	Nationwide
26 Sep 2012Food	CLASS II	Original Snaps Classic Chewy Candy recalled by American Licorice	American Licorice	Lead & Heavy Metals	Nationwide

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