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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.
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.
The Source: Information in this story was gathered from information from Gov. Ron DeSantis' office. and Florida Department of Health (FDOH).