POISON ALERT !!!

Arsenic found in 28 popular candy products
Florida health officials test candies from big-name brands for heavy metals

by Christian Saclao
January 27, 2026
CNN Photo Illustration

A recent investigation by Florida health officials has pulled back the curtain on a disturbing reality lurking inside the candy aisle. 28 popular treats, including some of the nation’s most iconic big-name brands, contain measurable levels of arsenic. Under the “Healthy Florida First” initiative, state lab testing has exposed the hidden heavy metals in snacks frequently marketed to children, raising urgent questions about food safety and long-term health. While some candies passed the test, others carry specific consumption limits that every parent needs to see. Keep reading to discover which household favorites made the list and whether the treats in your pantry are among those flagged by the state.

DOH report shows arsenic in top-selling candy products

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) recently tested 46 candy products from 10 major companies for heavy metals. Alarmingly, arsenic was detected in 28 of these items, prompting officials to assess potential health risks, particularly for children who are the primary consumers of these treats. The findings, released on Monday, aim to equip families with clear, actionable information and encourage greater accountability from companies producing widely enjoyed candies.

Below are the products where arsenic was detected, along with the approximate annual safe consumption limits for a child:

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Black Forest Gummy Bears – 16 pieces

Laffy Taffy Banana – 4 pieces

Nerds Grape – 96 pieces

Nerds Strawberry – 96 pieces

Nerds Gummy Cluster – 24 pieces

SweeTarts Original – 48 pieces

SweeTarts Rope – 3 rope

Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers – 12 pieces

Hershey’s Cookies ‘N’ Creme Bar – 1.2 bars

Jolly Rancher Hard Candy Sour Apple – 6 pieces

Jolly Rancher Hard Candy Strawberry – 6 pieces

Twizzlers Strawberry – 4 pieces

Twizzlers Cherry – 8 pieces

Twizzlers Watermelon Pull ‘n’ Peel – 18 pieces

Kit Kat – 2.4 pieces (17 g per piece)

3 Musketeers – 2.4 pieces (5.7 g per piece)

Snickers – 2.4 pieces (9 g per piece)

Original Skittles – 48 pieces

Sour Patch Kids – 36 pieces

Sour Patch Kids Tropical – 18 pieces

Sour Patch Kids Watermelon – 12 pieces

Swedish Fish – 8 pieces

Dots – 12 pieces

Toosie Fruit Chew Lime – 8 pieces

Tootsie Roll – 8 pieces

Tootsie Roll Vanilla – 8 pieces

Smart Sweets Caramel – 1 bag (45 g)

Smart Sweets Sweet Fish – 1 bag (50 g)

In contrast, the following candies were tested and found to contain no detectable arsenic:

Organic Black Forest Gummy Bears

Laffy Taffy Cherry

Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Whoppers

M&M’s

Twix

Milky Way

Organic Bunny Fruit Flavored Snacks Berry Patch

Smart Sweets Red Twists

UNREAL Dark Chocolate Caramel Peanut Nougat Bar

UNREAL Dark Chocolate Coconut Bar

UNREAL Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup

Yum Earth Organic Chewys

Yum Earth Choco Yums Chocolate Candies

Yum Earth Organic Giggles

Yum Earth Gummy Bears

Yum Earth Organic Lollipops

Florida health officials flag mercury, arsenic, lead in popular baby formulas

While the candy testing has raised alarms about arsenic in treats consumed by children, Florida health officials had already uncovered concerning heavy metal levels in infant formulas earlier this year. Still part of the “Healthy Florida First” initiative, the Florida DOH analyzed 24 infant formula products from seven major brands, sold both online and in stores, for heavy metals and pesticides. The results revealed elevated mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead levels in 16 formulas, surpassing health-based safety benchmarks and highlighting potential risks to infants.

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The following 16 infant formulas were found to contain concerning levels of heavy metals:

Bobbie Infant Formula

Bobbie Organic Infant Formula

Bubs Goat Milk-Based Formula

ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula

Enfamil AR Powder

Enfamil Gentlease Powder

Enfamil Gentlease NeuroPro Ready to Use

Enfamil Infant Concentrate

Enfamil Infant NeuroPro Ready to Use

Enfamil Infant Powder

Enfamil Prosobee

Holle Organic Infant Formula Stage 1

Holle Organic Infant Goat Milk Formula Stage 1

Kendamil Classic

Kendamil Goat Milk-Based Formula

Similac Soy Isomil Powder

These findings, combined with the candy results, underscore the importance of monitoring heavy metal exposure in foods designed for children of all ages. By sharing these results, Florida health officials aim to equip parents with critical information to make informed, safer choices for their families.