Toxic Treats: Popular Easter Candy Sold in Wisconsin Linked to Cancer

As children, we were always warned about the dangers of accepting candy from strangers on Halloween. Parents carefully inspected each piece of candy, searching for any potential razor blades or other harmful objects. However, these days it seems that we need to be just as cautious when buying candy from well-known companies.

Consumer Reports has issued a warning about the presence of a known carcinogen in certain candies, including the beloved Peeps marshmallows.

The Concerning Link between Popular Candies and Cancer

Officials are sounding the alarm about artificial coloring in certain candies, specifically Red Dye No. 3, which has been found to be a known carcinogen.

The dye is used to produce the purple and pink colored Peeps marshmallows, and it has been found to cause cancer in animal studies. Consumer Reports has urged the makers of Peeps to stop using Red Dye No. 3 in their candy production.

The Extent of the Problem

Red Dye No. 3 is not only found in Peeps but is also present in many other products sold by Just Born Quality Confections, including Hot Tamales candy, Party Cake Peeps, and Peeps Fruit Punch Marshmallow Chicks.

Despite being banned by the FDA from use in cosmetics, Red Dye No. 3 is still allowed in food, raising concerns about its potentially harmful effects on consumers, especially children.

Urgent Action Needed

CR is asking consumers to send a message to the Peeps manufacturer in a petition to the company. With over 2,900 food products containing Red Dye No. 3 on the market, it is crucial to protect public health by eliminating this harmful ingredient from food.

The FDA currently requires manufacturers to list Red Dye No. 3 as an ingredient on a food’s label, but more needs to be done to ensure the safety of consumers.