Finally, definitive proof that black licorice is gross and will most likely kill you if you eat it. [Ed note: "Some of us find black licorice nothing short of heavenly!"] The California Department of Public Health warned yesterday that the black licorice variety of Red Vines candy made at a Union City, California factory contains amounts of lead in excess of state standards and should not be eaten, even if you're one of those weirdos who actually likes the stuff.

The affected one-pound bags, which look something like the ones pictured above (although that's a 5 oz tray — a product apparently not recalled), are marked "Best Before 020413" and could contain over 13 micrograms of lead per serving according to the Chronicle. That would be more than twice the daily limit of lead for little tykes age six and younger, who probably won't eat it anyway (because it is gross).

Union City's American Licorice Company has issued the voluntary recall and candy hounds who discover the lead-laden treat on local store shelves are encouraged to call the health department's complaint headline at (800) 495-3232.

[Chron]