- The dye addition has been shown to cause thyroid cancer in mice
- After Easter 2024, Just Born will no longer use red dye No. 3 in its products
- READ MORE: ‘Ban ban’ sparks calls in US to ban cancer-causing foods
The iconic marshmallow PEEP could soon look very different after the manufacturer announced plans to remove a harmful dye that gives the candy its striking color.
Pennsylvania-based Just Born was the first company to announce changes to its ingredient list after California passed a law banning several potentially carcinogenic ingredients, including a food coloring additive.
After Easter 2024, Just Born will no longer use red dye No. 3 in any of its products, the company said in a statement.
In a study evaluating the health effects of red dye No. 3, research showed that laboratory rats exposed to high doses of the additive over a long period of time developed thyroid cancer.
Could PEEPS lose their famous color?
According to the Environmental Working Group, about 12,000 products sold in California use the newly banned ingredients
In 1990, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned the use of the dye in cosmetics based on some of this research.
However, the ingredient can still be used in food.
In a statement provided to Consumer Reports, Just Born said, “For Easter 2024, all of our PEEPS offerings will include two colors of Red #3 – Pink and Lavender.” All Just Born products, including Pink and Lavender PEEPS, are FDA compliant guidelines and only use FD&C certified colors.
“The updated ingredients list will appear on store shelves in the coming months.”
Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports, said: “We have known for years that Red Dye 3 and the other toxic chemicals banned under California’s landmark law pose serious risks to our health.”
“The widespread use of red dye No. 3 is particularly concerning because it is contained in many products marketed to children, who are at particular risk of developing health problems from exposure.”
“We applaud Just Born for removing Red Dye #3 from PEEPS before California’s law takes effect in 2027 and urge other companies to do the same.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the so-called “Skittles ban” last week, banning four popular additives linked to cancer, disease and mood disorders.
The bill gives food companies three years to remove the ingredients from their products or face fines of up to $10,000.
The four newly banned additives are: brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben and red dye #3.
PEEPS is the first product to announce that it will eliminate one of the banned ingredients before the state’s 2027 deadline, but it is just one of about 12,000 products sold in California that uses at least one of the newly banned ingredients.