Turns Out Eating Black Licorice Is Not Only Nasty, But Can Also Kill You

FoodBeast ^ | August 23, 2012 | Dominique Zamora

[Daffynition]

In case you needed more reason not to eat the worst “candy” in existence, a recent batch of black Red Vines licorice from Union City, Calif. has just been found to contain dangerous amounts of lead.

According to a recall issued yesterday, all one-pound bags of black Red Vines labeled “Best Before 020413″ should not be eaten and can be returned to their place of purchase for a full refund, after health officials found the batch to contain up to 13.2 micrograms of lead, or more than twice the state-recommended safe amount.

[SamAdams76]

I do like the black licorice. Goes good with liqueur.

I also hate Circus peanuts.

[SamAdams76]

Licorice — real black licorice, not the phony licorice-flavored stuff flavored with anise oil — causes a drop in potassium levels. It may also mimic the activity of the female sex hormone estrogen.