Warning: Popular Easter Candy Contains Ingredient Linked to Cancer (And Is Still For Sale)

The sweet confectionary is raising concern among parents and scientists.

Popular Easter candy Peeps is causing a stir online for a controversial ingredient. 

The ingredient in question, Red Dye 3, is considered a known carcinogen by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 

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“Food dyes, synthesized originally from coal tar and now petroleum, have long been controversial because of safety concerns. Many dyes have been banned because of their adverse effects on laboratory animals or inadequate testing,” the NIH website says. 

“Red 3 causes cancer in animals, and there is evidence that several other dyes also are carcinogenic.”

Peeps Is Getting Pushback Online for Ingredients

Several types of Peeps are known to contain Red Dye 3, including: 

• Peeps Pink Marshmallow Chicks
• Peeps Pink Marshmallow Bunnies
• Peeps Lavender Marshmallow Chicks
• Peeps Lavender Marshmallow Bunnies
• Hot Tamales 
• Peeps Hot Tamales Marshmallow Chicks
• Party Cake Peeps
• Peeps Fruit Punch Marshmallow Chicks 
• Peeps Wildberry Marshmallow Bunnies

“Parents should know that the purple and pink colored Peeps they may be putting in their kids’ Easter basket are made with an ingredient that is a known carcinogen,” senior Consumer Reports staff scientist Michael Hansen said. 

“For decades, the FDA has been aware of multiple studies showing that Red Dye 3 can cause cancer in animals. Several studies have linked some artificial food dyes, including Red Dye 3, to hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral effects in children,” Consumer Reports says. “While Red Dye 3 poses risks to people of all ages, young children may be the most vulnerable because of their small body weight and higher levels of exposure.”

Just Born Issues a Statement About Peeps

“FD&C Red #3 is currently an approved colorant for use in candy by the FDA. We manufacture all our candies in compliance with FDA regulations, sourcing our ingredients and packaging exclusively from reputable suppliers who adhere to high quality and safety standards. We also provide consumers with information on our packaging and our websites to help them make informed choices about our products,” Just Born told TheStreet when asked about its ingredients.

“Our product development team is continually exploring opportunities to provide expanded options for our consumers, including colors derived from natural sources that can deliver the same visual impact and stability as their certified counterparts.”

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