Florida’s “Healthy Florida First” initiative has flagged nearly two-thirds of tested candy products for containing arsenic levels that state health officials deem problematic for long-term childhood consumption.
Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis issued a health alert Monday after state laboratory testing revealed elevated arsenic levels in several common candies. The Florida Department of Health analyzed 46 products, finding that 28 exceeded safety benchmarks. Officials warned that while single servings may seem harmless, cumulative consumption poses developmental risks and increased cancer threats to children.
“Floridians, and frankly all Americans, deserve to make informed decisions about what they feed their families and have confidence in those ingredients that they’re safe,” First Lady Casey DeSantis stated. She noted that items like Swedish Fish and Nerds were among the offenders, while others like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups tested clean. Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo added that these arsenic levels significantly exceed those typically found in rice.