State lab tests find heavy metals in dozens of candy products sold in Florida

Florida – After testing a wide range of candy products marketed across the state in labs, Florida regulators have released new food safety results. This is the latest step in the Healthy Florida First campaign.

Governor Ron DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis, and State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo released the results. This was part of an attempt to make things more transparent for families and improve monitoring of products sold to kids.

State health officials claim that the tests were meant to give parents additional information on the foods that young kids eat a lot of. The Florida Department of Health looked at 46 candy products from 10 different brands to see if they have heavy metals in them.

The results showed that 28 of the tested products contained arsenic. This led to a closer look at the potential effects of exposure, especially for kids.

This month’s prior work with baby formula items led to the confectionery testing. In that effort, the Department of Health evaluated 24 infant formula items purchased both online and in stores statewide.

Seven well-known brands were tested for heavy metals and pesticides. When compared to health-based screening benchmarks, high levels of mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead were found.

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

“Today, First Lady Casey DeSantis, Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, and I were proud to announce that Florida has expanded this initiative by evaluating other products marketed for children. Through these transparency efforts and our long-standing commitment to medical freedom, Florida is doing our part to help Make America Healthy Again.”

State leaders said the expanded testing reflects a broader commitment to openness and accountability within the food system. Officials emphasized that the goal is not only to inform consumers, but also to encourage higher standards for products that are widely available to families.

First Lady Casey DeSantis said parents should feel confident that everyday grocery items are safe and not posing hidden risks over time.

“As parents and consumers, we should have confidence that the products sold in grocery stores are safe and free from poison,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis.

“No one should have to wonder whether the food that they are feeding their children is quietly impacting their health over time. Through independent testing under the Healthy Florida First initiative, we are bringing sunlight and transparency to the quality of food in our food supply.”

Dr. Ladapo added that food safety plays a critical role in long-term health and said openly sharing test results is a necessary step toward improving industry practices. He noted that looking at risks and sharing results with the public can assist bring about real change.

The candy testing initiative is one component of the Healthy Florida First effort, which focuses on clean food systems, transparency, and rebuilding trust in public health through evidence-based actions.

You may find the results of the infant formula and confectionery tests at ExposingFoodToxins.com.