The Bad-For-You Black Licorice

By CHARLES FERRUZZA

It’s not one of the most popular confections in America, but black licorice does have its devotees, which is why Kansas City’s Commuications Office has issued this stop-the-presses news release today:

The City of Kansas City, Mo., Health Department is notifying residents of more local stores carrying “Lucky Country Aussie Style Soft Gourmet Natural Flavor Black Licorice,” which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration determined contained elevated levels of lead.

New information indicates the product was sold at Bed, Bath and Beyond, Wal-Mart, Walgreens and Whole Foods Market outlets, along with Costco, as had originally been reported. Wholesale distributors outside of Missouri may distribute this product to retailers within the state and the product also may be available in stores not included in this list.

The Health Department contacted Costco, Wal-Mart, Walgreens and Bed, Bath and Beyond stores in Kansas City, Mo., with this recall information. Although the product is available in multiple package sizes, only the 1.5-pound bag is being recalled.

So what if California issued its own recall nearly a month ago?

And forget how all that the lead got in the candy — what the hell is in non-tainted black licorice?