SACRAMENTO -- The state health department warned consumers Monday not to eat a brand of Mexican candy said to contain high levels of lead, which could cause health problems.

The California Department of Public Health said tests conducted on Mexico import De La Rosa Pulparindo candy revealed the product contained between .12 and .18 parts per million of lead, above the U.S. Food and Drug Administration maximum guidance of 0.1 ppm.

The health department said lead can be especially harmful to infants, young children and pregnant women.

"Lead is toxic to humans, especially infants, young children and developing fetuses, and can result in learning disabilities and behavioral disorders that could last a lifetime," said Dr. Mark Horton, director of the state Department of Public Health. "Today's warning is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of foods sold in California."

Hayward-based Dul-Mex Guadalajara Inc., the candy's distributor, has initiated a voluntary recall of the product and is working with CDPH to ensure that all products still in commerce are promptly removed, according to CDPH.

The health department is also working to identify any other California distributors that might also sell the candy so that the product is removed from store shelves nationwide.

De la Rosa Pulparindo is a tamarind pulp candy packaged in 10-ounce boxes that contain individually wrapped .49 ounce candies, according to the health department.

The 10-ounce boxes are bright red in color with the word "Pulparindo" boldly printed in black letters and "Extra Hot and Salted Tamarind Candy" boldly printed in yellow lettering with green trim located underneath the word Pulparindo.