Florida’s Department of Health found elevated arsenic levels in over 60% of 46 candy types tested, prompting warnings from the DeSantis administration about cancer risks for children who consume the products over time.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced Monday that state testing found 28 of 46 candy types contained elevated arsenic levels that could increase children’s cancer risk. Popular brands including SweeTarts, Sour Patch Kids, Twizzlers, and Tootsie Rolls showed concerning levels, while Hershey bars, Reese’s, and M&M’s tested clean. The testing followed similar state efforts this month that found heavy metals in infant formula.
Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo said arsenic levels in the candies were “two, three, four times higher” than foods like rice known for elevated arsenic content. First Lady DeSantis highlighted the impracticality of consumption limits, noting that while 96 Nerds candies yearly would be safe, typical boxes contain 2,000 to 8,000 pieces. “Our goal really has been, as the governor has articulated, to support the federal [Make America Healthy Again] movement by working as force multipliers,” she said during the press conference.