Why You Should Never Eat Peeps
Peeps candy contains Red Dye No. 3 which is known to cause cancer.
Before you pop a couple of peeps in your mouth this Easter, think twice. The love to hate Easter candy that expands in the microwave may be harmful to your overall health. Although many folks have to be careful eating certain candy and types of food due to allergies, red Dye No. 3 is harmful to everyone.
According to Gothamist, the infamous Peeps candy contains Red Dye No. 3 known to cause cancer in animals. Red Dye No. 3 is also found in M&M’s, Hot Tamales, and Skittles.
Fortunately, there are plenty of delicious options for Easter candy without the Red Dye No. 3. Some may even surprise you, like Hershey’s chocolate eggs, Milky Way bunnies, Reese’s peanut butter cup puffs, and productivity gummies!
A Yonkers-based food advocacy group is trying to get the dye removed from circulation. It has been proven carcinogenic to animals. Anytime something causes cancer in animals, it causes it in humans. So, how are Peeps and other candy allowed to stay on the market with the cancer-causing dye?
The Food & Drug Administration has not banned the substance for use in food like Peeps. However, it is banned in cosmetics. Manufacturers must list it on the ingredient label, so customers can make informed decisions about the products they buy.
Until something changes, be conscious of what’s in your Easter basket and take steps to reduce your exposure to Red Dye No. 3 if you’re concerned about it. Consider opting for candy made with natural colorings. Or stick to dark or milk chocolate with crisps baked in.
Additionally, many manufacturers are replacing the dye with other food colorings. For instance, Peeps now use a combination of turmeric, blueberries, and carrots to inject their marshmallows with vibrant colors. This alternative is safer for humans and better for the environment.
In summary, despite being proven carcinogenic in animals, Red Dye No. 3 is still widely used in food
Although it’s essential to be informed, there are steps you can take if you are concerned about the dye’s safety. Look for products that use natural colorings or alternatives, such as turmeric, blueberries, and carrots. Taking proactive measures will help keep families safe from potential risks.
This is especially important for children who are more sensitive to food additives than adults. Keeping an eye out for artificial colors in our diet is a great way to promote health and wellbeing for ourselves and the environment.
A petition is currently with the manufacturer of Red Dye No. 3 to remove it from use. The FDA must review and consider its next move carefully. But ultimately, it is up to us as citizens to take action and ensure that the food we consume is safe.
We must always be aware of the option to use natural food colorings. Many companies are now using synthetic dyes to imitate the look of natural ingredients. So, you won’t be missing the rainbow when you eat your candy.
California is close to banning Red Dye No. 3, and not just in Peeps. The state just introduced a bill that would ban this, and a number of other harmful additives.
