DeSantis Drops Startling Report Revealing Threat to Every American Household
Candy Danger: DeSantis Officials Expose Arsenic in 28 Popular Treats
Florida officials stepped up oversight of food products marketed to children after new state testing detected heavy metals in dozens of popular candy brands, including household names such as Nerds, SweetTarts, Jolly Ranchers, Twizzlers, Snickers, and KitKats.
The findings, released Monday under the Healthy Florida First initiative, reflect a broader effort by the DeSantis administration to bring greater transparency to the food supply and restore trust in public health monitoring.
The Florida Department of Health analyzed 46 candy products produced by 10 companies, examining samples for heavy metals that can pose long-term health risks, particularly for children.
State officials reported that arsenic was detected in 28 of the products tested, leading regulators to further assess potential exposure risks tied to repeated consumption over time.
Officials stressed that the goal of the testing is to inform families, not alarm them.
Industry representatives quickly pushed back on Florida’s conclusions.
The National Confectioners Association criticized the announcement as “misguided,” arguing that the state sidestepped established federal, science-based thresholds and risked confusing consumers.
According to WEAR, the group pointed to the FDA’s “Closer to Zero” initiative, which is aimed at gradually reducing dietary exposure to naturally occurring elements such as arsenic in foods commonly consumed by children.
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) defended the testing initiative as part of a larger push to hold manufacturers accountable and provide consumers with clearer information.
“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.
He added that the effort aligns with Florida’s emphasis on medical freedom and evidence-based public health policies.
First Lady Casey DeSantis highlighted concerns surrounding cumulative exposure, noting that risk can increase when products are consumed regularly rather than occasionally.
“As parents and consumers, we should have confidence that the products sold in grocery stores are safe and free from poison,” she said. “No one should have to wonder whether the food that they are feeding their children is quietly impacting their health over time.”
State officials noted that small bags of candy often contain dozens of individual pieces, which can significantly raise exposure levels if contaminants are present.
Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo said making testing results public is a necessary step toward improving food safety standards nationwide.
“Food is an essential part of life, and we need it to be as safe and nutritious as possible,” Ladapo said.
He explained that evaluating risks and sharing findings publicly can help drive meaningful changes within the food manufacturing industry and benefit Floridians’ long-term health.
Some of the candies tested did not show elevated levels of heavy metals, which officials said demonstrates that contamination is not unavoidable.
Products such as Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Hershey’s chocolates, and Milky Way were cited as examples that tested within acceptable limits, suggesting that sourcing and manufacturing practices can play a significant role in limiting exposure, First Coast News noted.
The candy testing follows a separate Department of Health review conducted earlier this month involving infant formula products sold in Florida.
According to WPBF, that analysis examined 24 formulas from seven major brands and identified elevated levels of mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead when compared with health-based screening benchmarks.
Officials said the two studies together underscore the need for consistent oversight of products frequently consumed by children.
State officials emphasized that both the infant formula and candy testing results are publicly available at ExposingFoodToxins.com, allowing families to review detailed data and make informed decisions.
The DeSantis administration has indicated that additional product categories may be evaluated as the Healthy Florida First initiative continues to expand.
WATCH:
Results of testing for ingredients in candy… https://t.co/5Vs0Qsw7Dv
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) January 27, 2026
https://twitter.com/MJTruthUltra/status/2016237205572706580?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2016237205572706580%7Ctwgr%5Eb2288ff1acccbc01f24fcd190c95b0891b788479%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.digifection.com%2F2026%2F01%2F29%2Fdesantis-drops-startling-report-revealing-threat-to-every-american-household%2F
ARSENIC IN KIDS' CANDY: Popular Brands Loaded with Toxic Levels – No better time for your family to MAHA!
— The HighWire (@HighWireTalk) January 27, 2026
Shocking new tests from Healthy Florida First expose arsenic (a known carcinogen) in everyday Halloween/everyday treats. Safe yearly limits for children are TINY – we're… pic.twitter.com/A98QA9gj8a
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