The National Confectioners Association has responded to a Florida Department of Health study that asserted there were elevated levels of Arsenic present in a wide range of big brand sweets, reports Neill Barston. According to local reports, the health authority studies some 48 types of treats treats, with some 28 said to have been impacted by the issue – which the NCA has moved to refute. By calculating risk based on hypothetical annual consumption levels, the NCA stated that the report risks causing unnecessary consumer confusion. 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. “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.