Facts Matter – Report Finds Arsenic in 28 Popular Candy Brands

Host: Roman (The Epoch Times)
Date: February 6, 2026

Main Theme

This episode delves into a Florida Department of Health study revealing that 28 out of 46 popular candy brands—many household favorites—were found to contain elevated levels of arsenic. The episode explores the implications, potential health risks, the methodology behind the research, and the ensuing debate between public health officials and the candy industry.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Overview and Context of the Study

• In 2025, as part of the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) agenda led by RFK Jr., Florida launched the Healthy Florida First initiative to test widely available food products for contaminants (heavy metals, pesticides, microplastics) ([01:20]).
• $5 million budgeted to support expanded testing in Florida ([01:40]).
• The first public study targeted infant formulas, finding heavy metals in 16 of 24 products. The candy study was published about a month later ([02:07]).

2. Details of the Candy Study

• Florida researchers independently purchased and tested 46 popular candy brands from 10 major companies, including classic favorites like Laffy Taffy, Nerds, KitKats, Jolly Ranchers, Snickers, and Skittles ([00:44]; [05:30]).
• Testing conducted in certified labs using EPA Method 6010D, which measures total arsenic but does not distinguish between organic and inorganic forms—the inorganic being more toxic ([03:00]).
• Arsenic can enter candy via environmental factors (soil, water) or contamination during manufacturing ([03:32]).
• The study focused on quantity in finished products, not the source of contamination.

3. Arsenic Risks

• Arsenic is a well-recognized public health threat; inorganic arsenic is a known carcinogen linked to skin, lung, bladder, liver, and prostate cancers, as well as possible neurological and cardiac disorders ([04:20]).
• Health effects from low-level chronic exposure remain under-researched, but many studies highlight concerns ([04:52]).
• The episode stresses that this is potentially more dangerous due to the cumulative effects on children.

4. Key Findings and Data

• 28 of 46 candy brands contained elevated arsenic ([05:25]).
• 26 out of 33 ‘traditional’ candy brands like Three Musketeers, Snickers, Skittles, Nerds, KitKat, and Jolly Ranchers showed elevated levels ([05:42]).
• Notable arsenic concentrations:
  • Black Forest gummy bears: 370 parts per billion
  • Laffy Taffy Banana: 480 ppb
  • Nerds Gummy Clusters: 500 ppb
  • Jolly Rancher Hard Candy Sour Apple: 540 ppb
  • KitKat Bars: 230 ppb
  • Sour Patch Kids: 470 ppb ([06:10])

5. Consumption Safety Thresholds

• Researchers calculated yearly maximum safe consumption limits for children, adjusting for body weight:
  • For KitKat, the annual safe limit for a child is just above two pieces.
  • Similar limits found for other candies ([06:35]).
• In one bag of candy, a child could consume 5x the recommended annual limit in a single sitting.

Notable Quote:

“The annual limit for the number of KitKat pieces that a child should consume...is just a little over two pieces." – Roman ([06:36])

6. Expert Commentary

• Casey DeSantis (Florida First Lady) Press Conference:

  "In 26 of the 33 traditional candy brands tested, arsenic was detected at elevated levels." ([05:51])

• Casey DeSantis (Interview):

  "When you look at the context... it's not one individual piece of candy. … For Nerds, consuming more than 96 Nerds is more than what you should be consuming in a year. A box typically has 2,000 Nerds, or those movie theater boxes have 8,000." ([07:34])

7. Industry & Regulatory Response

• The National Confectioners Association (NCA), representing U.S. candy makers, called the findings “misguided” and “little more than a scare tactic.” They emphasized:
  • Candy is safe when enjoyed in moderation.
  • Florida’s study benchmarks don't match federal or peer-reviewed science.
  • Criticized risk calculations based on hypothetical annual limits ([00:29]; [08:39]).
• NCA pointed to FDA’s Closer to Zero initiative and federal diet data showing significantly lower arsenic levels than Florida’s report.
• Florida DOH defended their role, saying their test data should complement (not replace) federal oversight ([09:15]).

8. Bigger Picture: Environmental and Health Policy

• The podcast frames this as an example of “environmental factors” contributing to increased chronic disease in young Americans—arsenic in candy, heavy metals in baby formula, PFAS in water, and microplastics in products ([08:33]).
• The need to analyze cumulative exposures, not just single sources.

Memorable Moments & Timestamps

• [00:44]: “These are actually the very same ones sold in your local supermarket. And probably they’re the very same ones in your cupboard in your kitchen right now.”
• [05:51]: Casey DeSantis’s press conference summary of findings.
• [06:36]: Shocking safe-consumption limits for popular candy (“just a little over two pieces a year”).
• [07:34]: Casey DeSantis explaining the real-world context: “...a box typically has 2,000 Nerds in it...”
• [08:39]: Presentation of industry response—NCA denies danger, questions methodology.
• [09:15]: Florida DOH says their findings “add to” rather than replace federal efforts.

Tone and Language

• Direct, factual, and unembellished—emphasizing “no spin, no favorites.”
• Cautiously concerned, especially when discussing implications for children.
• Occasional dry humor and skepticism from the host:

  “I’m just a guy making an episode on the Internet. So legally, I guess I have to say, you don’t have to listen to me.” ([09:40])

Summary Table – Notable Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | Speaker | |-----------|---------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------| | 00:44 | The study covers common supermarket candy brands | Roman (Host) | | 03:00 | Explanation of testing methodology (EPA Method 6010D) | Roman | | 05:23 | First Lady Casey DeSantis press conference summary | Casey DeSantis | | 06:10 | Listing of specific brands and their arsenic levels | Roman | | 06:36 | Annual safe consumption limits; shocking limitations for kids | Roman | | 07:34 | Casey DeSantis expands on the real-world consumption problem | Casey DeSantis | | 08:39 | Industry (NCA) disputes study validity and risk estimates | Roman (reading statement) | | 09:15 | Florida DOH asserts their findings are complementary to federal data | Roman |

For Further Reading

• Direct links to the Florida DOH reports (baby formula and candy arsenic levels) are referenced for listeners wishing to examine the data themselves ([09:50]).
• The episode encourages listeners to consider the list for personal consumer choices.

Conclusion

This episode spotlights an alarming public health finding with potentially wide-reaching implications for children and families. While the state of Florida’s research uncovered elevated arsenic levels in major candy brands, the episode presents both the scientists’ and the industry’s responses, situates the news within the broader context of cumulative food safety concerns, and calls for critical consideration of everyday food choices.