Peeps maker asked to eliminate ‘dangerous food chemical’ from its candies
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Easter is on its way and means that its Peeps season around the world, but there’s some bad news for fans of the sugar-coated marshmallow treats churned out right here in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
That is, at least, according to Consumer Reports. Because, according to USA Today, the advocacy and research nonprofit sent a letter to Peeps maker, Just Born Quality Confections, earlier this year urging it to stop using Red Dye 3 in its products.
If you like your Peeps — it’s a polarizing treat that folks seem to either love or hate — you are probably raising an eye-brow right about now.
What’s the big deal about Red Dye 3?
Well, according to USA Today, it’s a coloring used in many processed foods but USA Today reports that “previous studies have found that high doses of Red Dye 3 can cause cancer in animals.”
So, great.
The USA Today report also has a weird note. Turns out, the FDA has banned the use of Red Dye 3 “in cosmetics and externally applied drugs.” It has not, however, banned Red Dye 3 from being included in food.
Seems odd.
Anyway, the story says there have been no reports showing that it actually causes cancer in humans so … maybe it’s not so bad. But, apparently, it has also been found to cause “negative impact on the behavioral health in children.”
Diet isn’t the biggest concern when you are eating sugar-frosted marshmallows, but Red Dye 3 certainly doesn’t sound like it’s the greatest addition to the dietary lineup. And, so, there’s a push now for all companies, not just Just Born, to drop the use of the dye in their products, per the USA Today story.
If you are wondering just what Just Born products contain the Red Dye 3, the report said that Peeps Pink Marshmallow Chicks and Bunnies, Peeps Lavender Chicks and Bunnies, Hot Tamales, Party Cake Peeps, Peeps Fruit Punch Marshmallow Chicks and Peeps Wildberry Marshmallow Chicks all use the chemical.
“Just Born Confections should stop making its iconic marshmallow treats with this dangerous food chemical since other less risky alternatives are readily available for you,” Michael Hansen, a senior staff scientist for Consumer Reports, told USA Today.
Doesn’t sound like that is in Just Born’s plans, though, because the company told USA Today that all of its candy is made “in compliance with FDA regulations.” The company also said it provides “consumers with information on our packaging and our websites to help them make informed choices about our products.”
So, Peeps are going to have Red Dye 3 in them for, at least, this Easter season.