Halloween 2024: Beware of Cancer-Causing Red Dye in Treats
- Consumer Reports highlights that several Halloween candies still use Red Dye 3, known to cause cancer in animals.
- Ferrara, the candy manufacturer, is working on phasing out Red Dye 3 from its products by the end of 2026.
- Advocacy groups are urging the FDA to ban this carcinogen in food products, emphasizing the need for safer alternatives.
In the United States, concerns are rising about the presence of Red Dye 3 in various Halloween candies. This carcinogen, which has been banned in Europe and in cosmetics within the U.S. since 1990, is still permitted in food products, even though studies have shown potential links to cancer in animals and neurobehavioral effects in children. Consumer Reports has identified several popular candies containing this ingredient, including Brach's Candy Corn and Double Bubble bubble gum. Ferrara, the owner of Brach's, acknowledged the controversies surrounding Red Dye 3 and stated that they are phasing it out of their products, with plans to completely eliminate its use by the end of 2026. The FDA maintains that the risk of cancer linked to Red Dye 3 in humans is limited based on animal studies but has faced calls from advocacy groups to ban the dye in all consumable products. With California set to prohibit Red Dye 3 in food starting in 2027, the discussions highlight public health advocacy and regulatory challenges around food safety in the United States. Consumers are urged to be aware of these additives as they purchase Halloween candies, and advocacy groups continue to push for stricter regulations regarding harmful food dyes.