Tell Florida Legislators: Fund Independent Food Toxin Testing

Florida families deserve to be fully informed of what is actually in their food.

Recent testing through First Lady DeSantis’ and Surgeon General Dr. Ladapo’s food testing initiative (ExposingFoodToxins.com) has confirmed significant levels of heavy metals and pesticide residues in foods commonly consumed by Florida’s children. Some of the toxins found include:

• Lead – a neurotoxin linked to developmental and behavioral problems
  
• Cadmium – associated with kidney damage and neurological harm
  
• Arsenic – a known carcinogen found in some food products
  
• Pesticide residues – may impact hormone and neurological development

These contaminants are not disclosed on food labels, meaning parents are unaware of their presence when making purchasing decisions..

Governor DeSantis’ proposed budget for the next fiscal year includes $5 million to continue independent food testing so families can be fully informed of contaminants in the food supply. The Florida Senate directed only $2 million to extend the program while the House allocated nothing.

Florida spends billions each year addressing health and developmental challenges affecting children. Reducing exposure to known neurotoxins such as heavy metals is a common-sense approach to protecting children’s health and development.

Your voice matters, and legislators pay particularly close attention when constituents contact them about budget priorities. Please reach out to them now to protect this critical initiative.