DeSantis Unveils Florida Food Testing: Glyphosate Found in Popular Bread Brands

Florida Finds Glyphosate in Popular Bread Brands, Continues Food Testing Initiative

February 6, 2026 – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis, and Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo announced Thursday the latest findings from the state’s “Healthy Florida First” food-testing initiative, revealing the presence of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, in several widely sold bread brands.

The announcement, made at Palm Beach State College in Lake Worth Beach, follows recent statewide testing that found arsenic in many candies marketed to children, part of the state’s expanding effort to provide families with data on potential contaminants in food. This initiative is led by the First Lady and the Surgeon General through the Florida Department of Health.

Governor DeSantis stated that the program “has been illuminating for a lot of Floridians,” directing residents to the state-run website exposingfoodtoxins.com where the results are posted. He emphasized that Floridians “have a right to know” what is in the food they purchase.

Earlier this year, the state found elevated levels of heavy metals – including mercury, arsenic, and lead – in several infant formula products from major brands. The candy testing revealed arsenic in multiple items, particularly brightly colored candies aimed at children, although some chocolate brands tested well, according to the Governor.

Casey DeSantis highlighted the significance of the bread findings, noting that bread is a staple in many families’ diets. She recounted being reminded of the trust parents place in everyday grocery items while preparing lunch for her nine-year-old child. She stressed that while ingredient lists are available, they do not disclose contaminants like pesticides or heavy metals. “Consumers deserve to know the truth to make informed decisions,” she said.

Independent lab testing commissioned by the Department of Health found what the state described as “triple-digit” glyphosate levels in several high-volume bread brands, including Nature’s Own Butter Bread, Nature’s Own Perfectly Crafted White, Wonder Bread Classic White, and Sara Lee Honey Wheat. Other breads, including Sara Lee Artesano White and Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse White, showed no detectable glyphosate. Dave’s Killer Bread tested low compared to other brands.

The First Lady characterized the presence of glyphosate in food as “a major disconnect,” pointing out that the chemical is labeled as unsafe for ingestion and should be kept away from children. She argued that these findings reinforce the need for transparency, especially considering the decades-long increase in chronic illnesses. “If we really want to improve health outcomes, we have to give prevention the same amount of priority as treatment,” she said.

Dr. Ladapo told the audience that glyphosate exposure “doesn’t seem to have a safe level,” citing research suggesting effects on gut health, the blood–brain barrier, and metabolic function. He stated that 80 percent of Americans carry measurable glyphosate in their bodies and argued that concerns about removing it from the food system are unfounded. “There’s an alternative to poisoning people,” he said.

Governor DeSantis announced that more food categories will be tested in the coming months, though the specific items were not disclosed. He also stated that Florida is encouraging other states to join the effort to pressure federal agencies, particularly the FDA, to address potential food safety concerns.

The Governor also addressed unrelated topics during a Q&A session, dismissing allegations involving the First Lady and the Hope Florida initiative as “a political scam” intended to smear her, and reiterating his opposition to hyperscale data centers near neighborhoods, stating that legislation is forthcoming to protect communities and ratepayers from rising energy costs.

The Governor, First Lady, and Surgeon General previously appeared together on January 26 to announce that 28 of 46 candy products tested by the Florida Department of Health contained detectable arsenic, a finding they said underscored the need for greater transparency in products marketed to children.