NCA offers key analysis refuting State of Florida claims of arsenic in candy

The National Confectioners Association has further asserted that the State of Florida’s report alleging elevated levels of arsenic in candy had used flawed methodology in its studies, writes Neill Barston.

As our title reported last month when the story initially broke, notable concerns emerged about potential health risks from consumption of candies – which the US-based NCA trade body has further rebutted.

According to the the key national confectionery organisation, the State of Florida’s health department had failed to use globally accepted scientific food testing methods, instead using alternative tests used  for soil and water. Crucially, this, according to the NCA, has a negative impact of falsely inflating results by as much as 3,800%

Consequently, the NCA conducted a thorough review of the State of Florida’s report issued on January 26, 2026, and found it lacks scientific integrity and credible data to support its conclusions.

As the organisation noted, the testing used at state level has subsequently become a source of disinformation for social media influencers and wider global media.

Christopher Gindlesperger, NCA Senior Vice President of Public Affairs & Communications commented: “Florida’s arsenic claims are based on a testing method designed for environmental samples like soil and water — not FDA-validated methods used globally to measure arsenic in food.

“Florida’s false conclusions about arsenic in candy are based on a testing method that is known to produce inaccurate results in food products. Using the wrong test leads to incorrect results, unnecessary alarm, and widespread confusion – none of which advances the health and safety of consumers. Sound public health decisions require reliable and validated methodology. As the State of Florida works to address the health needs of its citizens, it’s important that it uses the correct methodology and acknowledges when mistakes are made.”