Materials Science Analysis

Earlier this year, Florida state officials announced concerning findings involving elevated levels of arsenic in candy products. Florida Department of Health testing identified arsenic in 28 out of 46 candy items evaluated under the “Healthy Florida First” initiative, raising awareness about toxic elements in foods commonly consumed by children and families.

The results showed that multiple candy products contained measurable levels of arsenic, a naturally occurring metalloid classified as a carcinogen. Long-term exposure, even at low levels, can pose potential health concerns over time, particularly for children. Officials shared the findings during a news conference to increase transparency around food safety and empower consumers with actionable information.

Heavy metals can enter the food supply through multiple pathways, including soil contamination, agricultural practices, processing equipment, or packaging. As a result, rigorous testing is a key component of modern food safety management systems. Ongoing monitoring and quality assurance testing can help companies detect contaminants early and address potential risks before products reach store shelves.

“As these state-level tests show, the presence of toxic elements like arsenic in food products, even in trace amounts, warrants careful scientific evaluation,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL, we offer food manufacturers, processors, and regulatory partners advanced analytical capabilities to identify and quantify arsenic and other heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium in foods and beverages, helping protect consumers and uphold product quality.”

EMSL Analytical’s food testing services are accredited and recognized across the industry for reliability, sensitivity, and scientific rigor. The company partners with clients of all sizes, from ingredient producers to multinational brands, to deliver data that supports product safety, regulatory compliance, and informed consumer choice.

For more information about EMSL’s heavy metal testing services, please visit www.FoodTestingLab.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com.

 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.