WASHINGTON – In response to a recent announcement about arsenic and candy by the State of Florida, the National Confectioners Association released the following statement:
“Chocolate and candy are safe to eat and can be enjoyed as treats as they have been for centuries. The recent announcement from the State of Florida is misguided and demonstrates a glaring lack of transparency related to data-driven, scientific safety thresholds and the evaluation of confectionery products. It will result in confusion among consumers, regulators, and lawmakers. Alternatively, the FDA’s Closer to Zero Initiative was created to reduce dietary exposure to naturally occurring elements (such as arsenic), and is currently working on arsenic action levels for foods consumed by children. Florida has chosen sound bites over science – ignoring this science-based program in favor of publishing unsourced materials that amount to little more than a scare tactic. Food safety and product quality remain our highest priorities, and we remain dedicated to being transparent and socially responsible – and we follow the science.”
Additional Background
- The methodology used in this report relies on ‘screening benchmarks’ that do not align with current federal regulatory standards or recognized peer-reviewed science for confectionery products. By calculating risk based on hypothetical annual consumption levels, this report risks causing unnecessary consumer confusion. The NCA will continue to work with federal regulators to ensure that food safety policy remains grounded in standardized, national scientific consensus.
- The FDA released on 1/27 a new interactive web-based tool called Total Diet Study Interface (TDSi) which provides streamlined access to thoroughly vetted data. The FDA findings related to arsenic in confectionery accessible through this tool are significantly lower than what the State of Florida released in its confectionery study. This FDA tool provides more transparency for consumers, regulators, media and lawmakers looking to make sense of the Florida report.
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About the National Confectioners Association (NCA)
The National Confectioners Association is the voice of the U.S. confectionery industry. Our member companies create moments of joy with chocolate, candy, gum, and mints, drive $55 billion in retail sales, and add a little sweetness to life. NCA champions policies that help candy makers and other stakeholders in this unique category thrive while reminding consumers that chocolate and candy are treats. Learn more at CandyUSA.com or follow NCA on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
