TEXAS, USA — As the Easter holiday approaches, you'll likely see all sorts of candies when you take a trip to the grocery store.
The popular marshmallow candy Peeps has become a big talker across social media because experts claim some contain a cancer-causing dye.
THE QUESTION
Do Peeps contain cancer-causing dye?
OUR SOURCES
Brian Ronholm, Director of Food Policy at Consumer Reports and Just Born, manufacturer or Peeps
THE ANSWER
Yes, our sources found that Red Dye No. 3, which is contained in some Peeps along with many other candies, can cause cancer.
WHAT WE FOUND
Ronholm with Consumer Reports says many popular candies contain a cancer-causing dye.
"Red dye 3 is one of those synthetic food dyes that have been shown to cause cancer and it causes hyperactivity in children," Ronholm told 6 News. "When you're, you know, taking into consideration all of the foods that have these dyes and these food chemicals, it really adds up over time and really has an impact on health."
It's something the FDA has not banned from food yet.
"Red dye 3 is currently banned in cosmetics, but it's allowed in food," Ronholm said. "It's a weird situation where you're not able to apply it to your skin or face, but it's okay to consume it. That makes no sense at all."
Peeps is just one of many candies that contains this dye, specifically the pink and lavender ones.
"It's more of an aesthetic, it has zero nutritional value," Ronholm said.
It's why Consumer Reports called on Peeps manufacturer, Just Born, to stop using the dye.
Just Born sent the following statement to 6 News:
After Easter 2024, no Just Born products will be produced using Red #3. Just Born has always evolved with new developments and consumer preferences. We have worked hard to develop new formulations to bring fans the colorful PEEPS® they know and love.
For Easter 2024, of all our PEEPS® offerings, two colors will contain Red #3 – Pink and Lavender. All Just Born products, including Pink and Lavender PEEPS®, comply with FDA guidelines and use only FD&C certified colors.
In the meantime, here's how parents can make sure their kids are safe this Easter.
"If you're looking to limit your child's exposure to red dye three, look at the ingredient label at the back of the package and make sure that it doesn't have it," Ronholm added.
Ronholm does applaud Just Born for taking action.
"They've been actually at the forefront and taking this out of their products," Ronholm said. "We certainly we would love to see other industry members take their lead."
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