MASS. — A warning for shoppers as Easter is less than a week away.
A new consumer report says multiple colors of peeps could cause cancer.
The report says the popular candy contains an artificial coloring called “Red Dye 3,” a known carcinogen.
“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,” said Michael Hansen, PhD, senior staff scientist for Consumer Reports.
The dye was banned in cosmetics in 1990 but is still allowed in certain foods.
Consumer Reports is calling on the FDA to ban it in foods.
“Just Born,”the company that makes Peeps says its candies are made in compliance with FDA regulations.
“Several studies have linked some artificial food dyes, including Red Dye 3, to hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral effects in children,” the consumer report 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,” they added.
More than 2,900 food products contain Red Dye 3. The FDA requires manufacturers to list it as an ingredient on labels.
Red Dye 3 is also found in other products, including Hot Tamales candy, Peeps Hot Tamales Marshmallow Chicks, and Party Cake Peeps.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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