Florida releases bread testing results under the Healthy Florida First initiative to increase transparency and consumer awareness
Lake Worth Beach, Florida – Florida officials are continuing a sweeping review of everyday food products as part of the state’s Healthy Florida First initiative, releasing new test results that focus on one of the most common items found on family tables: bread. The findings, announced by Governor Ron DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis, and State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, are intended to increase transparency for consumers and strengthen accountability across the food supply.
The bread testing marks the latest phase in an expanding effort by the Florida Department of Health to independently analyze widely consumed products and share the results directly with the public. State leaders say the goal is simple — give families clear, accessible information so they can make informed choices about what they eat.
“As Governor, I have worked to make Florida the model for health freedom,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I’m proud of First Lady Casey DeSantis’ leadership on Healthy Florida First. Today’s announcement about bread product testing, which follows the release of infant formula and candy test results, is another step toward a healthier future. We will continue working to arm Floridians with the information they need to make the best choices for their families’ well-being.”
The bread analysis builds on earlier testing efforts that have already drawn significant public attention. Last month, the Florida Department of Health released results from testing 24 infant formula products sold both online and in stores throughout the state. Samples from seven major brands were analyzed for heavy metals and pesticides. According to the findings, elevated levels of certain heavy metals were identified when compared to health-based screening benchmarks, including mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead.
Following that release, the state expanded its testing to include candy products that are frequently consumed by children. In that phase, DOH examined 46 candy items produced by 10 different companies. Arsenic was detected in 28 of the products tested, prompting further evaluation of potential exposure risks. Officials said those results were made public to promote awareness and encourage accountability for products marketed to and consumed by families.
With bread now added to the list, Florida officials say the initiative is taking a closer look at foods that are often viewed as harmless staples. The Department of Health tested eight bread products across five national brands commonly available in Florida grocery stores. According to the results released this week, glyphosate was detected in six of the eight products tested.
Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide applied in agricultural production to control weeds. Its presence in food has been the subject of ongoing debate and scrutiny at both the national and international level. State officials emphasized that the purpose of the testing is not to create panic, but to ensure transparency and support informed decision-making for consumers.
“The Healthy Florida First initiative is taking proactive steps to strengthen food safety standards nationwide,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “The results from the Florida Department of Health’s analysis of bread testing results show troubling levels of glyphosate. Consumers deserve to know what chemical contaminants are in their food so that they can make informed decisions.”
Health officials noted that bread is consumed daily by many households, making even low-level exposure a concern when it happens repeatedly over time. Dr. Joseph Ladapo said the findings reinforce the importance of examining everyday foods, not just specialty or niche products.
“Bread is a staple food for many Florida families, and they should be able to consume it without worrying about toxins,” said State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo. “Our testing found high levels of glyphosate in some popular bread brands. Chronic exposure to glyphosate is linked to harmful gut microbiome changes, liver inflammation, and adverse neurologic effects. Florida is taking action through transparency, continued testing, and a clear focus on reducing exposure to protect families.”
The Healthy Florida First initiative was launched as a broader effort to restore trust in public health through what state leaders describe as evidence-based action. Rather than relying solely on federal guidance, the initiative emphasizes independent testing, public disclosure of results, and ongoing review of products commonly found in homes across the state.
Officials say the initiative is also meant to encourage food manufacturers to reexamine sourcing and production practices. By making testing results public, the state hopes companies will take steps to reduce chemical contaminants and improve overall product safety.
The bread testing effort, along with the previously released infant formula and candy analyses, reflects a growing focus on clean and transparent food systems. State leaders argue that transparency is a key part of accountability, allowing consumers to make choices aligned with their health priorities while encouraging higher standards across the industry.
All testing results released so far under the Healthy Florida First initiative are publicly available. Families can review detailed findings from the infant formula, candy, and bread analyses at ExposingFoodToxins.com. Officials say additional testing may follow as the state continues to examine products that play a central role in daily diets.
As Florida expands its review of food safety, state leaders maintain that the initiative is about empowering families, not limiting choice. By providing data and increasing visibility into what is in everyday foods, they say Floridians are better positioned to protect their health and well-being.
