Peep’s health concerns: Consumer Reports calls for a ban on Red Dye No. 3, food coloring used in popular Easter candy

There are new health concerns about the popular Easter candy, Peeps.

consumer reports urges marshmallow candy maker to stop using Red Dye No. 3 discontinued due to cancer concerns.

The advocacy group has delivered a petition with 35,000 signatures to the FDA banning the use of Red Dye No. 3 in food calls.

“Parents should know that the purple and pink peeps they may be putting in their children’s Easter baskets are made with an ingredient known to be a carcinogen,” said Michael Hansen, Senior Staff Scientist for Consumer Reports. “Just Born Quality Confections should stop making its legendary marshmallow treats with this dangerous food chemical because other, less risky alternatives are readily available.”

in one Statement sent to USA Today, Peeps maker Just Born found that Red Dye No. 3 continues to be approved by the FDA as a food coloring.

“We also provide information to consumers on our packaging and our websites to help them make informed decisions about our products,” the company said.

The company’s statement added that it is “continuously exploring ways to offer our consumers expanded options, including colors from natural sources that can provide the same visual impact and stability as their certified counterparts.”

This comes as a newly proposed bill in California would ban candy containing Red Dye No. 3 and several other chemicals associated with health issues like skittles and nerds.

The bill is expected to be heard in the Legislature in the coming weeks.

If passed, California would be the first state to ban such chemicals.