Overview
- State leaders published lab results from Florida Department of Health testing conducted at independent certified labs that flagged elevated arsenic in many popular candies.
- Reported tallies differ across outlets, with some accounts citing 26 of 33 candies and others 28 of 46 showing elevated levels.
- Officials framed the risk as cumulative, citing examples such as more than eight Swedish Fish or roughly 96 Nerds pieces in a year exceeding a child’s estimated safe exposure.
- Florida’s Surgeon General said arsenic concentrations measured in some candies were two to four times higher than in foods known for higher arsenic levels such as rice.
- The National Confectioners Association called the announcement misguided and lacking transparency, pointing to FDA processes, while Florida said it will keep testing and posting results.