Popular Easter candy Peeps contains additive linked to cancer, Consumer Reports says

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In time for Easter, the shelves of most convenience stores are stocked full of sugary marshmallow bunnies and chicks.

Peeps' original yellow chick remains the most popular product. However, the brand has been criticized because it contains red dye No. The pink and purple candies contain red dye No.

Consumer Reports has identified several Peeps candy as containing dyes that are 'known carcinogens', according to an official news release released by the nonprofit on Monday.

Consumer Reports wrote to Just Born Quality Confections on March 17, asking for a reply by the end the month. Consumer Reports stated that the company had not announced 'any plans' to change its production process.

Just Born sent an email to CNN stating that FD&C Red # 3 is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in candies. Just Born manufactures all its candies according to FDA regulations. We source our ingredients and packaging from only reputable suppliers that adhere to safety and quality standards.

The company stated that the ingredients were listed on the packaging and website.

Just Born's product development team said that it is "continually exploring" opportunities to offer consumers more options, including natural colors that have the same visual impact as certified counterparts.

Consumer Reports started a petition to remove the colorant from Peeps.

In a statement, Michael Hansen said that the widespread use of Red Dye 3 was particularly alarming, as it's found in many products targeted at children, who are more susceptible to developing health issues from exposure.

Hansen said, "Just Born Quality Confections must stop producing its famous marshmallow treats using this harmful food chemical as there are many less-risky alternatives readily available."

Consumer Reports, along with more than 20 other organizations, urged the FDA in October to remove the color-additive from its list of approved ingredients.

A bill introduced by the California State Assembly recently would prohibit the sale of foods containing red dye no. By January 2025, the California State Assembly will ban the sale of food products containing red dye No.

Just Born, a member of the confectionery industry trade group, has said that US companies adhere to government standards.

Chocolate and candy have been safe for centuries. Food safety is a top priority for U.S. candy companies. We do not use ingredients that do not meet the FDA's most stringent safety standards in our products, said Christopher Gindlesperger via email, senior vice-president of public affairs at the National Confectioners Association.

Gindlesperger said that "Chocolate companies and candy makers will continue to innovate, as new information is available and consumer tastes change."

What do we know about red dye no. 3

According to the Food Scores Database created by Environmental Working Group (a non-profit environmental health organization), nearly 3,000 products contain this red colorant.

Red dye No. Red dye No. 3 has been approved for food and oral drugs, but cosmetics have been banned since 1990 because of a carcinogenic reaction in rats.

In a study conducted by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment in 2021, it was found that red dye no. Children can experience hyperactivity or other behavioral problems when they consume red dye No. A 2012 study found that the food dye could cause cancer in animals. However, there was no proof that this would be the case in humans.

Although the yellow Peeps don't contain red dye, consumers who are concerned should check the food labels on other candies before assembling Easter baskets this year. Red dye No. The FDA requires that the FDA list the additive as FD&C Red 3.