Florida Candy Tests Reveal Elevated Arsenic Levels

State testing of 46 candy varieties found that 28 products contained high levels of arsenic.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Cancer

Isometric editorial illustration depicting stylized hard candy and lab equipment, illustrating food safety testing and public health analysis. — Florida state officials identified elevated arsenic levels in 28 of 46 candy products sampled, prompting new public health safety evaluations. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Florida officials recently tested 46 candy types and identified elevated arsenic levels in 28 of those products. This finding comes as the FDA also works to phase out the food additive Red No. 3 due to cancer risks observed in lab rats.

Why it matters

The presence of arsenic in food and the elimination of known carcinogens like Red No. 3 are central to ongoing public health safety efforts. Officials are balancing these safety concerns against industry assurances that current products remain safe for consumption.

Testing results showed that over 60% of the 46 candy types sampled contained elevated arsenic, with the highest concentration measuring 570 parts per billion. The FDA has also mandated the removal of Red No. 3 from food products by 2027.

The players

Florida officials

These state authorities conducted the recent testing of candy products to measure arsenic levels.

Food and Drug Administration

This federal agency regulates the safety of food, additives, and drugs within the United States.

National Confectioners Association

This organization represents the interests of chocolate and candy manufacturers and maintains that their products are safe.

The details

Testing of candy samples measured arsenic levels in parts per billion to evaluate safety across a wide range of popular sweets. Meanwhile, the FDA ban on Red No. 3, prompted by a 2022 petition, follows evidence that high doses of the dye are linked to cancer in lab rats.

1990: Red No. 3 was banned for use in U.S. cosmetics.
2022: A color additive petition was filed regarding Red No. 3.
2025: The FDA announced a formal ban on the food additive Red No. 3.
January 15, 2027: Deadline to reformulate food products containing Red No. 3.
January 18, 2028: Deadline to reformulate ingested drugs containing Red No. 3.

Health Landscape

The transition away from substances like Red No. 3 follows the regulatory precedent set by the FDA's 2025 ban on the additive. This shift highlights a growing federal focus on addressing potential long-term cancer risks associated with common chemical additives.

Consumers should be aware of the ongoing changes in food safety as manufacturers move to remove Red No. 3 from their ingredients lists over the coming years. Families may consider checking labels on their favorite snacks to monitor for ingredients currently being phased out by federal regulators.

The takeaway

Maintaining awareness of changing food safety regulations can help consumers make informed purchasing decisions for their households. As industry standards evolve to exclude harmful additives, checking labels for updated ingredient lists remains a prudent practice.

What happens next

Manufacturers must complete the reformulation of all food products containing the additive Red No. 3 by January 15, 2027. Subsequently, any ingested drugs containing the dye must be reformulated by the federal deadline of January 18, 2028.