Florida testing finds arsenic traces in dozens of popular candy brands, Gov. DeSantis says

Testing finds arsenic traces in dozens of popular candy brands: DeSantis

Florida officials released new food safety findings showing traces of arsenic in dozens of popular candy products, expanding a state testing effort that earlier identified elevated toxins in infant formula.

THE VILLAGES, Fla. - The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) on Monday announced new food safety findings under the Healthy Florida First initiative, releasing results from state testing of candy products marketed to children.

The Florida Department of Health conducted the testing to provide greater transparency for families and increase accountability for products widely consumed by children, state officials said.

Big picture view:

Earlier this month, the state released results from testing 24 infant formula products sold online and in stores across Florida. Samples from seven major brands were analyzed for heavy metals and pesticides, with testing identifying elevated levels of mercury, arsenic, cadmium and lead compared with health-based screening benchmarks.

Building on that effort, the health department said it tested dozens of candy products from 10 companies for heavy metals. 

Arsenic was detected in more than 25 of the products, according to the FDOH, prompting additional evaluation of potential exposure risks, particularly for children. 

What they're saying:

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis and Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo held a news conference in The Villages on Jan. 26 to announce the finding. Officials said it is intended to give families clear, accessible information and encourage accountability within the food industry.

"Our ‘Healthy Florida First’ initiative promotes innovation, ensures accountability and empowers Floridians to make the healthiest choices for their families," Gov. DeSantis said. "Transparency is vital to that mission."

"As parents and consumers, we should have confidence that the products sold in grocery stores are safe and free from poison," Casey DeSantis said. "No one should have to wonder whether the food they are feeding their children is quietly impacting their health over time."

Ladapo said evaluating potential risks and sharing the findings publicly are key steps toward improving food safety and public health in the state.

The other side:

The National Confectioners Association released a statement to FOX 35, saying, 

"Chocolate and candy are safe to eat and can be enjoyed as treats as they have been for centuries. The recent announcement from the State of Florida is misguided and demonstrates a glaring lack of transparency related to data-driven, scientific safety thresholds and the evaluation of confectionery products. It will result in confusion among consumers, regulators, and lawmakers. Alternatively, the FDA's Closer to Zero Initiative was created to reduce dietary exposure to naturally occurring elements (such as arsenic), and is currently working on arsenic action levels for foods consumed by children. Florida has chosen sound bites over science – ignoring this science-based program in favor of publishing unsourced materials that amount to little more than a scare tactic. Food safety and product quality remain our highest priorities, and we remain dedicated to being transparent and socially responsible – and we follow the science."

Dig deeper:

The candy testing is part of Florida’s broader Healthy Florida First initiative, which focuses on food transparency, accountability and restoring trust in public health through evidence-based actions.

Results from both the infant formula and candy testing are available at ExposingFoodToxins.com.