A trade organization representing candy companies accused the state of “scare tactics” and making “misguided” claims about the levels of arsenic in popular sweets.
“Chocolate and candy are safe to eat and can be enjoyed as treats as they have been for centuries,” the National Confectioners Association said in a statement.
“The recent announcement from the State of Florida is misguided and demonstrates a glaring lack of transparency related to data-driven, scientific safety thresholds and the evaluation of confectionery products. It will result in confusion among consumers, regulators, and lawmakers.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis and Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo held a press conference in The Villages to say popular candies contain elevated arsenic levels that could be unsafe if children ate the whole bag.
“Floridians, and frankly all Americans, deserve to make informed decisions about what they feed their families and have confidence in those ingredients that they’re safe,” the First Lady said.
But the National Confectioners Association argued the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Closer to Zero program is already working toward reducing lower amounts of naturally occurring arsenic in food without Florida officials getting involved.
“Florida has chosen sound bites over science — ignoring this science-based program in favor of publishing unsourced materials that amount to little more than a scare tactic,” the National Confectioners Association said in the statement. “Food safety and product quality remain our highest priorities, and we remain dedicated to being transparent and socially responsible — and we follow the science.”
At Monday’s press conference, Casey DeSantis said 26 of the 33 traditional candy brands tested showed arsenic at elevated levels when testing was done through the Florida Department of Health at independent, certified labs.
“These levels are problematic when evaluated over the course of a year,” Casey DeSantis said. “The concern here is not necessarily about one single piece of candy on one single day. The concern is when these products are consumed, as they realistically are, repeatedly over time.”
