Even though this was published in 2006 it is still pertinent for Mexican candy in the Holiday Season

[1776Forever]

Recently I have been trying to find gum drops and candy canes that are made in the United States and if you haven't noticed 90% of them as well as a lot of other brand name products are made in Mexico. I have nothing against the Mexican people of course, but I do have issues with the lack of control over their food manufacturing. If you also will notice the Candy Canes that we used to buy from United States companies are now being manufactured in Mexico and packaged sometimes in the States. I found one manufacturer of candy that is still made in the US, the Zachary Confections, Inc., of Frankfort, Indiana:

Here is a brochure on them:

http://www.zacharyconfections.com/zachary.pdf

If anyone knows more US candy companies still making the candy here please post!

...................

And here is info on Mexican candy reports:

http://www.fda.gov/ora/about/enf_story2006_archive/ch8/default.pdf

The Mexican Secretary of Agriculture met with SWID to discuss import operations and regulations and ways to improve communications between both divisions. The Secretary specifically wished to know what problems FDA was having with Mexican imported products. Other issues discussed were the problems with imported cheese, lead in candy (connection to chili peppers), dried peppers, fresh produce/ pesticides, and avocado paste.

FDA’s San Francisco District Office Metals Analyst gave a talk on Lead in Candy at the Northern California Regional Meeting of the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPP). A history of experience with Mexican candy and lead contamination from candy ingredients and wrapper material was presented. The meeting was also attended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch. CLPP and CDC met with the district to discuss how FDA approaches analytical issues in lead in candy, lead in wrappers, and lead on food container surfaces that are not food contact surfaces.

.........

Recently the last Peppermint Patty was made in PA and now will be made in Mexico:

http://www.yorkblog.com/yorktownsquare/2007/04/cool_york_peppermint_patties_g.php

Hershey has also moved some of its candy manufacturing to Mexico:

http://www.chocolatebytes.com/hersheys-move-to-mexico/

.............

Mexico is also not stopped from using some of the Chinese milk products that were recently pulled off the market. I just don't want my family eating something that may have lead or other dangerous chemicals in them. I know you can't stop it completely but you can try to do your best!

[LongTomH]

1. Cross-post this to General Discussion.

A lot more people will see it there. It's not just a health issue.

[drmeow]

2. Not gum drops or candy canes

but I have some gummy bears from this company that say "Product of the USA Manufactured by Ferrara Pan Candy Co, Forest Park, Il, 60130 USA" http://www.ferrarapan.com/

[eleny]

3. Enstrom's Candy Grand Junction, Colorado and Hammond's of Denver

Enstom's is a third generation candy makers. Toffee is their specialty. It's so very good. Every year it would appear at our office for the holidays. A local favorite here in Colorado.
http://www.enstrom.com/default.aspx

They make a peppermint cookie bark I want to try this holiday season.
http://www.enstrom.com/gift_ideas.aspx?page=bark


Hammond's, since 1920, has all sorts of traditional holiday candies like ribbons, straws and pillows. They even make old fashioned clove pillows that I want to try this year. The factory is n Denver.
http://www.hammondscandies.com/

[Bobbieo]

4. Lead in chili -based Mexican candy is still one of the favorite topics

in My Native Unity blog after several years since they have been posted.

http://nativeunity.blogspot.com

[1776Forever]

6. Thank you - sounds great!

:hi:

[Celebration]

5. Dinstuhl's Candy

It is great--

http://www.dinstuhls.com/about.htm

[1776Forever]

7. Wow - looks yummy - Thanks!

:hi:

[IndyOp]

8. Indianapolis-based "Endangered Species Chocolate" candies, hot chocolate, stocking stuffers...

Mmmmmmmmmm.... Dozens & dozens of products and holiday gift packages. :D

http://www.chocolatebar.com/index.asp

[1776Forever]

9. All-Natural Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix - Yummy & good for the earth too - Can't beat it!

http://www.chocolatebar.com/shop/p-219-all-natural-peppermint-hot-cocoa-mix.aspx

All-Natural Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix -

Endangered Species Chocolate all-natural peppermint hot cocoa mix is made from slave-free, single-origin cacao. The cocoa is sourced from small, family-run farms in Ghana and then processed into cocoa powder just a short distance down the road in Ghana, meaning Ghanaians reap to financial benefits of growing and processing this premium product. This peppermint hot cocoa mix is non-dairy, containing only pure, natural cocoa powder, natural peppermint oil and sugar, and can be mixed with milk or any diary-free alternative. Canister contains 12 oz. (approximately 14 servings) of all-natural peppermint hot cocoa mix.

Thanks!
:toast:

[Snarkoleptic]

10. There's a really cool store in NW suburban Chicago that sells only items made in USA.

They have lots of candies, jellies, jams, honey, etc.
It's called Nortons USA and they advertise on WCPT which is Chicago's progressive talk station.
This is a tough business environment...if you live in the Chicago metro, please visit them.
http://www.nortonsusa.com /

e-mail them here if you need directions, want to voice your support, or have questions about their merchandise.
[e-mail]

[1776Forever]

13. Looks like a neat place - if I lived closer I would sure visit them!

Thanks!

[Orrex]

11. Two here in Pennsylvania, at least

Betsy Ann Chocolates
http://www.betsyann.com/info/about


And I believe that Gardner's Candies likewise makes its own stuff here in the US, but I can't find an explicit statement to that effect on their website, so maybe not. But now that you've got me thinking about it, perhaps I'll give them a call to find out.
http://www.gardnerscandies.com/

[1776Forever]

12. These are both great and the prices aren't bad at all! Thanks a bunch!

My family on my Dad's side 1st settled in PA from Switzerland. I love the Penn Dutch food a bunch and these candies look scrumptuous! A little goes a long way and that is what a celebration is for me.

:hi: