Gov. Ron DeSantis revealed that the Florida Department of Health (DOH) detected arsenic in 28 of 46 candy products as part of its commitment to promoting healthy food products through the state's "Healthy Florida First" initiative.
“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,“ DeSantis said in a release. “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.”
According to the release, DOH tested 46 candy products from 10 companies for heavy metals, with arsenic found in nearly two-thirds (61%), prompting an evaluation for potential risks to children.
The governor's office noted that the candy product testing was done to "provide families with clear, accessible information and promote accountability for products widely consumed by Florida’s children."
Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo and First Lady Casey DeSantis joined Gov. DeSantis at The Villages for the announcement.
“As parents and consumers, we should have confidence that the products sold in grocery stores are safe and free from poison,” Casey DeSantis said. “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.”
The department's results also follow its test earlier this month of 24 infant formula products under the initiative, in which mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead were detected.
“Food is an essential part of life, and we need it to be as safe and nutritious as possible,” Ladapo added. “We believe that evaluating risks and communicating our findings to the public are essentially steps for driving the change we seek in the food industry and improving the health of Floridians.”
