On Oct. 7, 2023, California became the first state to ban four chemicals used in well-known candies and other foods and drinks because of their link to certain health problems.

Governor Newsom signed a law banning the red dye No. 3 chemical (Erythrosine) used as food coloring for products like Peeps, the marshmallow treat most associated with Easter. The chemical has been linked to cancer and has been banned from makeup for more than 30 years.

Since then, other states have followed suit by introducing their own legislation to restrict the use of this synthetic food dye.