Severity
Moderate
FDA Food recall · Reported September 26, 2012
CA Dept. of Public Health collected random samples of Red Vines Black Licorice and found elevated levels of lead in the product.
American Licorice Co recalled Red Vines Black Licorice Twists; No preservatives and Always Fat Free Packaged in the f… - a moderate-severity action.
Red Vines Black Licorice Twists; No preservatives and Always Fat Free Packaged in the f… was recalled by American Licorice Co in September 26, 2012. Reason: CA Dept. of Public Health collected random samples of Red Vines Black Licorice and found elevated levels of l…. Check the official notice for the remedy. Verify recall #F-2148-2012 with the FDA Food before acting.
The recall
American Licorice Co issued this moderate-severity FDA Food recall-CA Dept. of Public Health collected random samples of Red Vines Black Licorice and found elevated levels of l….
Sourced from official FDA Food enforcement records. Verify recall #F-2148-2012 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
This FDA Food action (record #F-2148-2012) was formally reported on September 26, 2012, with the manufacturer initiating the action on August 21, 2012. It is classified under Moderate severity (Class II), with a current status of Terminated. American Licorice Co is listed as the recalling firm, operating out of Union City, CA. Federal records list the affected scope as `1.5 million pounds, all varieties.
The documented reason for this recall is: CA Dept. of Public Health collected random samples of Red Vines Black Licorice and found elevated levels of lead in the product. Distribution data in the federal record shows the product reached: Nationwide distribution.. Distribution scope directly affects the consumer exposure window and determines whether a recall remains regional or escalates into a nationwide advisory.
Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 2 from FDA Food - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.
Where this recall sits in its category - 25,126 food recalls on record
Of 101,704 recalls in the database, 24,878 are high severity, 72,426 moderate, and 4,400 low. This recall is classified moderate severity.
Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.
Severity
Moderate
Affected scope
`1.5 million pounds, all varieties
Related Recalls
6
2 from same agency
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
CA Dept. of Public Health collected random samples of Red Vines Black Licorice and found elevated levels of lead in the product.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Food and Drug Administration |
| Severity class | Moderate (Class II) |
| Status | Terminated |
| Recall number | F-2148-2012 |
| Date reported | September 26, 2012 |
| Date initiated | August 21, 2012 |
| Recalling firm | American Licorice Co |
| Firm location | Union City, CA |
| Affected scope | `1.5 million pounds, all varieties |
| Distribution | Nationwide distribution. |
Profile values are sourced directly from the official FDA Food enforcement record. Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
What to do with this recall
Match your product against the recall record, then act on the agency remedy.
This page summarizes the official FDA Food record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.
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Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC and NHTSA recall records, no number is typed in by an editor. This recall: FDA Food, reported September 26, 2012. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC and NHTSA by hazard type), and related-recall context is computed across the full archive. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of July 2026.