Parting with Peeps? California considers banning certain chemicals in candy

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Marshmallow Peeps may soon need a makeover if the manufacturer wants to continue selling them in California. The traditional Easter treat, along with several other popular candy brands including Skittles, Starburst and Sour Patch Kids, contain chemical additives on a list of ingredients in a ban proposed by state lawmakers. The five chemicals on the list, which include red dye number three and titanium dioxide, are used to add color and texture to candy. They've already been banned in the European Union after some scientific studies showed the chemicals could increase the risk of cancer, damage the reproductive system and cause other health problems. Many manufacturers adopted new recipes to continue selling the affected candy in Europe but still use the old formulas in the U.S. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration permits the use of the listed chemicals if the additives meet specific limits the FDA deems safe for consumers. But some consumer advocates say the FDA's methods of determining what additives are safe are outdated. The co-author of the bill, California Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel who represents the San Fernando Valley, says he's not trying to ban the candy. Instead, he says he simply wants the manufacturers to sell the same versions of the candy in the U.S. that they currently offer in Europe. In response to the state bill, the National Confectioners Association issued the following statement: “Chocolate and candy are safe to enjoy, as they have been for centuries. We strongly oppose AB 418 because there is no evidence to support banning the ingredients listed in the bill. The ingredients that would be banned under this proposal have all been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Food safety is the number one priority for U.S. confectionery companies, and we do not use any ingredients in our products that do not comply with the FDA’s strictest safety standards.” If passed and signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom later this year, the chemical additive ban would go into effect in 2025, giving manufacturers time to reformulate their candy recipes for the California market. This article was provided by The Associated Press.