Florida tested 46 candy products and detected arsenic in 28 of them.
The effort follows earlier infant formula testing that identified elevated heavy metals.
Officials say the initiative improves transparency and protects families.
Florida officials have released new candy testing results as part of the state’s Healthy Florida First initiative, expanding efforts to improve food transparency and protect children from potential toxic exposure.
Governor Ron DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis, and Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo announced the findings on Thursday, revealing that the Florida Department of Health (DOH) tested 46 candy products from 10 companies for heavy metals. According to the state, arsenic was detected in 28 of the products tested, prompting additional evaluation of possible health risks, particularly for children.
The candy testing follows the recent release of infant formula test results, which examined 24 products from seven major brands sold across Florida. That earlier testing identified elevated levels of heavy metals — including mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead — when compared to health-based screening benchmarks.
Governor DeSantis said the expanded testing reflects the state’s commitment to transparency and consumer empowerment.
“Our Healthy Florida First initiative promotes innovation, ensures accountability, and empowers Floridians to make the healthiest choices for their families,” DeSantis said. “Through these transparency efforts and our long-standing commitment to medical freedom, Florida is doing its part to help Make America Healthy Again.”
First Lady Casey DeSantis emphasized the importance of consumer confidence in everyday food products.
“As parents and consumers, we should have confidence that the products sold in grocery stores are safe and free from poison,” she said. “Through independent testing under the Healthy Florida First initiative, we are bringing sunlight and transparency to the quality of food in our food supply.”
Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo added that public reporting of test results is intended to drive improvements across the food industry.
“Food is an essential part of life, and we need it to be as safe and nutritious as possible,” Ladapo said. “Evaluating risks and communicating our findings to the public are essential steps for improving the health of Floridians.”
State officials said the testing program is part of a broader effort to strengthen accountability, restore trust in public health, and promote clean, transparent food systems. Both the infant formula and candy testing results are available to the public through the state’s online reporting portal.
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