Year In Review: #4 Consumer Reports Claims Popular Candy Sold In New York State May Cause Cancer

As we continue to look back at our top stories of 2023, here is our fourth most-read story of 2023. Consumer Reports Claims Popular Candy Sold In New York State May Cause Cancer

Below is the original article:

Health warnings are being issued about very popular candies sold across New York State.

Candy Sold In New York State May Cause Cancer

Consumer Reports is warning consumers that certain colors of Peeps marshmallows and other candies are being linked to cancer.

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Officials are sounding the alarm about candies made with artificial coloring called Red Dye No. 3, which is a known carcinogen.

Purple and pink Peeps are the peeps parents should look out for, according to Consumer Reports. These colored Peeps are made with Red Dye No. 3. This dye has been found to cause cancer in animals, categorizing it as carcinogenic.

The known carcinogen is also found in other products sold by Just Born Quality Confections, officials warn. Consumer Reports highlights Hot Tamales candy, Peeps Hot Tamales Marshmallow Chicks, Party Cake Peeps, Peeps Fruit Punch Marshmallow Chicks and Peeps Wildberry Marshmallow Bunnies.

Red Dye No. 3 Banned By FDA Still Found Many Products

“Red Dye No. 3 has been banned by the FDA from use in cosmetics since 1990, but inexplicably is still allowed in food,” Hansen said. “The widespread use of Red Dye 3 is particularly concerning since it is found in many products marketed to children who are especially at risk of developing health problems from exposure. It’s time for the FDA to protect public health by getting Red Dye 3 out of our food.”

Over 2,900 food products sold today contain Red Dye 3, including many artificially flavored and artificially colored candy marketed to children," according to the Environmental Working Group.

The FDA requires manufacturers to list Red Dye 3 as an ingredient on a food’s label.

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The makers of Peeps defended their products.

“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,” Just Born Quality Confections said in a statement.