The lead epidemic strikes again – this time around, a San Antonio company is recalling candy imported from Mexico which has been found to contain excessive levels of lead by state health authorities, it was announced Tuesday.

San Antonio-based Villa-Mex Imports Inc. has decided to voluntarily recall a syrup candy it imports from Mexico after state health officials found excessive levels of lead in the product, Texas health authorities said Tuesday.

“Barrilito,” the product in question, is a dark brown syrup sold in little barrel-shaped jars with bright yellow labels, by retailers stateside, reports the Houston Chronicle.

The Texas Department of State Health Services said recent laboratory tests showed lead levels above the 0.1 parts per million allowed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The samples that were tested ranged from 0.101 to 0.132 parts per million, state health authorities said.

Spokeswoman Emily Palmer explained that the laboratory tests conducted on the product were performed as part of the state's periodic product testing. Palmer added that no cases of illness have been linked to the candy yet.

A news release announcing the recall on the Texas Department of State Health Services’ official website emphasizes that “the problem is with the product, not with the distributor, Villa-Mex Imports.”

There has been a string of lead-related recalls in recent months, in the U. S. as well as Canada, encompassing products such as lunch boxes and lunch totes, toys, cell phone charms and lipsticks. Many of the products were made in China.

Exposure to high levels of lead is especially harmful for infants, young children and pregnant women. Among its effects are delayed mental and physical development and learning deficiencies.

Lead poisoning appears over a period of time and some children who have lead poisoning may not appear sick. A doctor should be consulted immediately if a parent suspects their child is ill.

Among the symptoms of lead poisoning are lack of appetite, attention difficulty, headaches, vomiting, constipation and insomnia.

Complete warning posted on the Texas Department of State Health Services: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/news/releases/20071204.shtm