The Florida Department of Health found arsenic in 28 of 46 popular candy products tested as part of a new transparency initiative announced this week.
State officials tested candy from 10 companies and detected arsenic levels ranging from undetectable amounts to 570 parts per billion in Tootsie Fruit Chew Lime candies. The testing was conducted under Florida's Healthy Florida First initiative, which Governor Ron DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis, and Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo announced on January 26.
Which Candies Have the Highest Arsenic Levels?
The Department of Health established recommended consumption limits based on the arsenic levels detected. For example, children should limit Tootsie Fruit Chew Lime candies to 8 pieces per year, while adults can safely consume 20 pieces annually, according to Florida Health.
More concerning findings included Snickers and Kit Kat bars, with limits set at approximately 2.5 pieces per year for children. Jolly Ranchers and Twizzlers also showed high arsenic concentrations, with safe consumption limits of 6 and 4 pieces per year, respectively.
Some candy brands showed no detectable arsenic levels. These included Yum Earth, Unreal, Annie's, Reese's, and Whoppers, as well as many chocolate-based products marketed as organic or healthier alternatives.
State health officials emphasized that the testing aims to increase transparency and help families make informed choices. "As parents and consumers, we should have confidence that the products sold in grocery stores are safe and free from poison," First Lady Casey DeSantis stated.
Industry Response and Safety Concerns
However, the candy industry disputed the findings. The National Confectioners Association called Florida's methodology "misguided" and said it does not align with federal food safety standards used by the FDA, Food Safety reported.
The industry group argued that Florida's calculations based on hypothetical annual consumption limits could create unnecessary confusion among consumers. Manufacturers also noted that arsenic naturally occurs in soil and food crops, and that many foods, including rice and apples, contain arsenic levels similar to or higher than those detected in some candies.
State officials noted that the health risk depends on how frequently children consume these products over time. Arsenic accumulates in the body, so repeated consumption of high-arsenic candies could increase long-term exposure beyond safe levels.
The Department of Health used EPA testing methods to measure total arsenic in the candy samples and created benchmarks using conservative safety standards designed to protect children, who have lower body weight and higher relative exposure than adults.
The testing results are available publicly on the website ExposingFoodToxins.com. Importantly, no recalls have been issued, and state officials said they are not taking enforcement action against candy manufacturers at this time, as per the Florida Daily.
