Candy Overdose? FDA Issues Warning On Black Licorice Dangers

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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- With Halloween coming up, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration wants to make sure people know about the dangers of eating too much candy -- specifically black licorice.

The FDA says black licorice contains a sweetening compound that can cause your potassium levels to fall, possibly causing abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, swelling, lethargy and congestive heart failure.

For anyone 40 or older, eating 2 ounces of black licorice a day for at least two weeks could cause health problems, according to the FDA.

The FDA also warns that black licorice can interact with some medications, herbs and dietary supplements.