Florida health officials have identified arsenic in over 60% of the candy products recently tested, Governor Ron DeSantis announced Monday. The Florida Department of Health analyzed 46 candy products from 10 companies, including popular brands like Jolly Ranchers and Kit Kats, as part of the state’s Healthy Florida First initiative.
Candy Testing Follows Formula Concerns
This testing of candy products follows a similar initiative earlier this month where the state analyzed 24 infant formula products from seven major brands. That analysis revealed elevated levels of heavy metals – including mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead – when compared to established health benchmarks.
The goal of these tests, according to First Lady Casey DeSantis, is to ensure product safety and accountability. “As parents and consumers, we should have confidence that the products sold in grocery stores are safe and free from poison,” she stated. “No one should have to wonder whether the food that they are feeding their children is quietly impacting their health over time.”
Potential Exposure Risks Under Evaluation
The detection of arsenic in the candy prompted the health department to begin further evaluation of potential exposure risks, particularly for children. Governor DeSantis noted the importance of transparency, stating, “We want parents to kind of to know what’s out there…maybe not everything is created equal in terms of what would be the healthiest options.”
The candy testing initiative is part of the larger Healthy Florida First effort, which aims to establish clean and transparent food systems, promote accountability, and restore public trust in public health initiatives through evidence-based action.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many candy products were tested?
Florida health officials tested 46 candy products from 10 companies.
What specific heavy metal was found in the candy?
Arsenic was detected in 28 of the 46 candy products tested.
Where can I find the results of the testing?
The results of both the infant formula and candy testing are available online at ExposingFoodToxins.com.
Will these findings lead to changes in food safety regulations or product recalls remains to be seen, but further evaluation of potential exposure risks is underway.
