Lawsuit Alleges NERDS, Laffy Taffy, and Other Popular Candies Contain Toxic Levels of Arsenic

Some of the most popular candy brands in America are allegedly contaminated with toxic levels of arsenic, according to a wave of class action lawsuits targeting Ferrara Candy Company.

The lawsuits stem from a January 2026 investigation by the Florida Department of Health under its "Healthy Florida First" initiative. The state tested 46 commercial candy products and, according to the findings, detected arsenic in 28 of them — more than 60%. Among the Ferrara products that allegedly tested positive: NERDS, NERDS Gummy Clusters, Laffy Taffy, SweeTarts, SweeTarts Ropes, Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers, and Black Forest Gummy Bears.

The numbers in the complaint are alarming. According to the lawsuit, one movie-theater-sized box of NERDS allegedly contains more arsenic than a child should consume in an entire year. Banana Laffy Taffy allegedly exceeded yearly arsenic limits in just four pieces. SweeTarts Ropes allegedly surpassed those limits in less than half a package.

Arsenic is classified as a known carcinogen by both the FDA and the World Health Organization. Exposure above safe levels has been linked to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness, cramping, skin rashes, and increased risk of infections. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend any specific safe level of arsenic consumption for children.

The lawsuits allege that Ferrara failed to test for, monitor, or disclose the presence of arsenic in its products — candies that are heavily marketed to children with colorful packaging and playful branding. No recall has been issued for any Ferrara candies, and the National Confectioners Association has pushed back on Florida's testing methodology.

Multiple law firms are actively investigating claims against candy manufacturers whose products appeared on Florida's list, which also included products from Hershey, Mondelēz, and Tootsie Roll Industries.

Who's eligible: If you purchased NERDS, NERDS Gummy Clusters, Laffy Taffy, SweeTarts, SweeTarts Ropes, Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers, or Black Forest Gummy Bears anywhere in the United States, you may be part of the proposed class.

There is no settlement yet and no claim form is available at this time.

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