As Easter approaches, store shelves are stocked with sugary marshmallow chicks and bunnies, including the popular Peeps brand. While the original yellow Peeps are the best-selling product, the pink and purple-colored candies have come under scrutiny. According to Consumer Reports, several Peeps candies contain red dye No. 3, a known carcinogen.
The nonprofit organization sent a letter to Just Born Quality Confections, which makes Peeps, asking for a response by the end of March, but the company did not announce any plans to change its manufacturing process.
In a statement, Just Born defended its use of FD&C Red #3, stating that it is currently an approved colorant for use in candy by the US Food and Drug Administration.
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However, Consumer Reports has started a petition for the removal of the colorant in Peeps, citing concerns about health risks for children, who are especially at risk of developing health problems from exposure.
While the confectionery industry’s trade group insists that chocolate and candy are safe to enjoy and that US companies follow government standards, a recent California State Assembly bill was introduced that would ban the sale of food products containing red dye No. 3 and other food additives thought to be harmful by January 2025.
Consumers who are concerned about the health risks associated with red dye No. 3 should check food labels of other candies when putting together this year’s Easter baskets.
Any food products containing red dye No. 3 will have the additive listed as FD&C Red #3, as required by the FDA. Just Born has said that its product development team is continually exploring opportunities to provide expanded options for consumers, including colors derived from natural sources that can deliver the same visual impact and stability as their certified counterparts.
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Do these candy companies actually think that the color is important to kids? When I was young, yellow was pretty much the only color Peeps had.
Recently read that lead is used to make dark chocolate… wrote to a local candy company asking about their dark chocolate, but never heard back from them…
sure is strange how everything that causes cancer, has been approved by the FDA, that is our Government using us as TEST DUMMIES.
I am glad i saw this article on peeps for Easter. I had purchased the purple peeps and now it is Easter morning and i am throwing mine out. Not taking any chances with my granddaughter.