Female researcher looks through microscope – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by SmartPhotoLab
The Villages, FL. – Numerous confectionery candy goods had “elevated” amounts of arsenic, according to tests conducted by the Florida Department of Health, officials announced on Monday.
In a press conference, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared that 28 of 46 goods from ten companies had “elevated” amounts of arsenic.
“When assessed over a year, these levels are problematic, and this is where the distinction is so crucially important,” DeSantis stated.
The regulators cited one instance when the annual safe arsenic consumption limit for minors was exceeded by more than six Jolly Ranchers hard candies. More than 96 pieces of Nerds candy are more arsenic than a youngster can safely eat in a year, according to the FDOH.
In a statement, Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo stated, “Food is an essential part of life, and we need it to be as safe and nutritious as possible.” “We think that assessing risks and sharing our findings with the public are fundamental steps to promoting the change we want to see in the food industry and enhancing Floridians’ health.”
National Confectioners Association spokesman Christopher Gindlesperger, however, resisted. He gave the following comment to News Channel 8:
“Chocolate and candy are safe to eat and can be enjoyed as treats as they have been for centuries. 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. Alternatively, the FDA’s Closer to Zero Initiative was created to reduce dietary exposure to naturally occurring elements (such as arsenic), and is currently working on arsenic action levels for foods consumed by children. 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. Food safety and product quality remain our highest priorities, and we remain dedicated to being transparent and socially responsible – and we follow the science.”
Check the state’s Exposing Food Toxins website to find out if your favorite sweet contains arsenic.
This follows the discovery of contaminants in certain baby formula brands earlier this month by FDOH testing.
As part of the state’s “Healthy Florida First” reaction to the “Make America Healthy Again” campaign, there has been a new push to test popular products for toxins.
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Mike has more than 30 years of experience in marketing and public relations. He once owned his own agency and has worked with some of the largest brands in the world.
