Halloween is here and consumers are buying up massive quantities of candy to hand out to trick-or-treaters – or to eat themselves.
But beware! Some of America’s favorite seasonal treats contain toxic chemicals.
According to rankings by CandyStore.com, the 10 most popular types of candy in the U.S. for Halloween are Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, M&M’s, Hot Tamales, Skittles, Sour Patch Kids, Starburst, Hershey’s Kisses, candy corn, Hershey’s Mini Bars and Snickers.
Nearly half of them contain at least one of two harmful chemicals whose approval EWG is petitioning the Food and Drug Administration to revoke: titanium dioxide and Red Dye No. 3.
Titanium dioxide
In March, EWG joined the Environmental Defense Fund, Center for Science in the Public Interest, Center for Food Safety and Center for Environmental Health to petition the FDA to revoke its approval of the use of titanium dioxide in food.
Nanoparticles of titanium dioxide are likely to build up in the body, where they may harm the immune and nervous systems. It’s possible the chemical can be found in as many as thousands of foods marketed to children, including Halloween favorites Skittles and Sour Patch Kids.
Titanium dioxide was approved for use in food by the FDA in 1966. But that approval was based on the belief that titanium dioxide does not build up in the body. The most recent science shows nanoparticles of the chemical can do just that.
The petition cites the European Food Safety Authority’s review of titanium dioxide, which led to a declaration that the additive could no longer be considered safe for human consumption.
Red Dye No. 3
Last October, EWG and the Center for Food Safety petitioned the FDA to finally ban Red Dye No. 3 in food.
It’s a common but toxic food dye used in many processed foods, especially seasonal candy.
Some brands of candy corn use Red Dye No. 3 to get their iconic look. It can also be found in Pez, Ring Pops and Dubble Bubble gum.
Synthetic dyes have been linked to a wide array of health harms. In 1990, the FDA banned many uses of Red Dye No. 3, including in cosmetics, saying studies showed that very high doses can cause cancer. But the FDA failed to ban its use in food.
And, like other synthetic dyes, it also makes children vulnerable to behavioral difficulties, including decreased attention, according to a 2021 study by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.
State legislative action
In a major victory for safer, healthier food, California just enacted the California Food Safety Act, the first law in the U.S. to ban four harmful chemicals from food sold and produced in the state.
Once the law goes into effect, in 2027, Red Dye No. 3, potassium bromate, propyl paraben and brominated vegetable oil will no longer be found in products on grocery store shelves in the Golden State.
While this is a considerable stride toward healthier food for Californians, there’s more to be done to ensure all Americans have access to products without toxic chemicals.
Responsibility for protecting consumers falls to the FDA – and other states.
A similar bill, which would ban the same four chemicals, plus titanium dioxide, is making its way through committee in the New York legislature.
Shop without fear
If you’re shopping for Halloween candy and want to avoid Red Dye No. 3 and titanium dioxide, here are some tips:
- Check labels. Artificial dyes and titanium dioxide must be listed among the ingredients of packaged foods, so look at labels to avoid products that contain them. On some food labels, titanium dioxide may simply be referred to as “artificial color” or “color added.”
- Consult EWG’s Food Scores database to find products that don’t contain harmful food dyes and colorants. When you’re on the go, you can use our Healthy Living app to find products without toxic chemicals.
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The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.
