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?
Each country has its own unique recipes for the stuff, but in the United States the most frequent list of ingredients includes molasses, wheat flour, corn syrup, modified corn starch, licorice extract, salt, natural and artificial flavors, potassium sorbate, mineral oil, carnauba wax -- which is also used in automobile waxes and shoe polish -- and artificial colors.
The "all natural" Aussie-style licorice manufactured by North Carolina-based Lucky Country Inc. really is an Australian candy; Lucky Country International is based in Australia, but owns the 60,950-square-foot manufacturing plant in Lincolnton, North Carolina.
If you can find licorice candy without excess lead, the historic confection does have reported health benefits, including anti-inflammatory qualities and, allegedly, weight control.
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