As Easter approaches, many parents may be purchasing candy-filled baskets and chocolate eggs to gift their children. However, one candy that has been causing concern among parents is Peeps.

This sugar-coated marshmallow candy, which is especially popular during Easter because of its bunny shape, has an ingredient called Red Dye 3, which is considered a known carcinogen by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Many are concerned about Peeps with Red Dye 3 and are calling on the maker of Peeps, Just Born, to commit to removing the harmful ingredient in its products.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Evan-Amos, License: Public Domain
Peeps is a sugar-coated marshmallow candy that may contain Red Dye 3.

The Dangers of Red Dye 3

Red Dye 3 is an additive used to give food and drinks a pink or red color. It is synthesized from petroleum and coal tar and has been banned in cosmetics in the United States due to its potential health risks. The NIH has found that Red Dye 3 causes cancer in animals and there is evidence that other dyes are also carcinogenic.

"Food dyes, synthesized originally from coal tar and now petroleum, have long been controversial because of safety concerns. Many dyes have been banned because of their adverse effects on laboratory animals or inadequate testing," according to NIH data.

"Several studies have linked some artificial food dyes, including Red Dye 3, to hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral effects in children," according to Consumer Reports. "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."

Photo: Adobe Stock / zalesky
Red Dye 3 is a food coloring additive used to give food and drinks a pink or red color.

Peeps Containing Red Dye 3

Peeps has several flavors that contain Red Dye 3, according to Consumer Reports, including:

• Peeps Pink Marshmallow Chicks
• Peeps Pink Marshmallow Bunnies
• Peeps Lavender Marshmallow Chicks
• Peeps Lavender Marshmallow Bunnies
• Peeps Hot Tamales Marshmallow Chicks
• Party Cake Peeps
• Peeps Fruit Punch Marshmallow Chicks
• Peeps Wildberry Marshmallow Bunnies

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.

Photo: Adobe Stock / Cavan for Adobe
Several studies have linked some artificial food dyes, including Red Dye 3, to hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral effects in children.

Just Born's Response

Just Born, Inc., the parent company of Peeps, has noted that Red Dye 3 is currently an approved colorant for use in candy by the FDA, Fast Company reports. They also stated that they manufacture all their candies in compliance with FDA regulations and source their ingredients and packaging exclusively from reputable suppliers who adhere to high quality and safety standards.

Just Born, Inc. is open to altering the colorants of its products, including Peeps, should it become a viable avenue for them to take, The Street reports. The company's product development team is continually exploring opportunities to provide expanded options for consumers, including colors derived from natural sources that can deliver the same visual impact and stability as their certified counterparts.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Jon Sullivan, License: Public Domain
Peeps Pink Marshmallow Chicks, Peeps Pink Marshmallow Bunnies, and Peeps Lavender Marshmallow Chicks are among the Peeps products that contain Red Dye 3.

Take Action for Children's Health

Families deserve better and Just Born, Inc. has the power to make a difference by offering safer and healthier options for consumers. There are also several natural colorants that can be used in place of Red Dye 3, including:

• Beet juice
• Carrot juice
• Spirulina extract
• Paprika oleoresin
• Purple sweet potato
Photo: Adobe Stock / pingpao
Red Dye 3 poses risks to people of all ages.

Parents' Concerns

Many parents are concerned about the ingredients in their children's food, and Peeps with Red Dye 3 is no exception. Some parents are choosing to avoid Peeps altogether, while others are contacting Just Born, Inc. to express their concerns and request that the company removes Red Dye 3 from its products. Parents are also encouraging others to read the ingredient lists of their children's candies and snacks to make informed choices about the food they consume.

The presence of Red Dye 3 in Peeps marshmallow candies is a serious concern for parents and health-conscious consumers alike. Despite being banned in cosmetics in the U.S. due to its carcinogenic properties, Red Dye 3 is still being used as a food additive in Peeps. Studies have linked artificial food dyes, including Red Dye 3, to hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral effects in children, making young children particularly vulnerable due to their small body weight and higher levels of exposure.

Photo: Adobe Stock / Serhii
Help us take action for the health of children and families!

We are calling on Just Born, Inc. to commit to removing Red Dye 3 from its products, and to use less risky colorants that are readily available. As consumers, we have the power to make our voices heard and demand safer products for ourselves and our families. By signing a petition to Just Born, Inc., we can show our support for the removal of Red Dye 3 from Peeps and other candies.

As we prepare to celebrate Easter, let us not forget the importance of choosing safe and healthy food options for our loved ones. Sign the petition to Just Born, Inc. today and help make a difference in the safety and well-being of our families. Together, we can demand better from companies that make our food and create a safer, healthier future for generations to come.