Jolly Rancher is safe to consume for children as the ingredients are recognized as safe.

Jolly Rancher is a popular candy brand known for its bold and fruity flavors. It was first introduced in 1949 and is well known for its variety of candies all over the world. It was founded by Bill and Dorothy Harmsen but later it joined with The Hershey Company in 1996. 

Recently, social media users raised concerns about the ingredients used in the product. It was claimed that the presence of additives like Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6 and Blue 1 (derived from petroleum) in the product is harmful for children. 

However, Fact Crescendo found the claim to be misleading. All the ingredients mentioned in the post as harmful have been approved by the food safety regulatory bodies and are considered as safe. 

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Fact Check- 

Upon searching, we found that there are no news reports or any information available on banning Jolly Rancher candies. The brand is well available in the market in many places including e-shopping sites. 

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) states on its website that ingredients such as Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Blue 1 are of moderate concern. It also mentions that the product is not certified organic and contains synthetic food dyes, which contribute to its moderate level of concern.

Let’s check each ingredient one by one. 

Red 40: 

Red 40 is a synthetic dye which is used to add bright red color to foods and drinks. FDA has permitted the use of Red 40 in cereals, beverages, gelatins, puddings, dairy products and confections. 

After reviewing Red 40’s safety European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) had declared it safe to consume. Although there were studies which showed DNA damage in mice upon consumption of the additive, EFSA did not find any link between Red 40 and serious health issues in humans, even when this additive is consumed beyond human consumption limit. To ensure safety, EFSA has approved consumption of 0-7 mg per kilogram of body weight of Red 40. Based on current evidence, experts consider Red 40 safe to use as a food additive when consumed in normal amounts.

Yellow 5: 

FDA had approved the use of Yellow 5 in foods in 1931 which is still listed under the permitted color additives. According to another article, Yellow 5 is approved in countries like the USA, Canada, and the EU. Some people believe it can cause reactions like hyperactivity, asthma, rashes, or allergies, but early studies had flaws and gave misleading results.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) evaluated the safety of Yellow 5. Research showed that the human body absorbs only a small amount of Yellow 5, with most of it being broken down by gut bacteria and excreted in urine. Although an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 7.5 mg per kilogram of body weight was established years ago, the studies supporting it were limited and often examined dye mixtures rather than Yellow 5 alone. As a result, EFSA recommended further research to better assess its safety. 

Yellow 6: 

A study in 2007 suggested that there is a possible link between certain artificial colors and hyperactivity in children. EFSA reviewed the study and concluded that while some children may be sensitive to these additives, the evidence was not strong enough to change existing safety levels. It has been encouraged by the organization to continue further research to clarify any potential effects. 

Blue 1: 

The EFSA reviewed the safety of Blue 1, also known as Brilliant Blue FCF (E 133). It was previously approved with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 10 mg/kg body weight per day, set in 1984. After reviewing new data on how the dye is absorbed, processed, and its effects on health, the EFSA decided to lower the ADI to 6 mg/kg body weight per day. This decision was based on updated studies showing the dye is safe at this level. The EFSA also found that most people’s intake is below this new ADI. 

According to the National Institute of Health’s report, Blue 1 was approved by the FDA to be used in foods in 1993 and in 1994, it was approved for use in externally applied drugs. The acceptable daily intake of Blue No. 1 for humans was established as 0–12 mg/kg body weight. In humans, most of the dye is excreted with only about 5% absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. While studies have not found it to be directly genotoxic or carcinogenic, some research has shown potential neurotoxic effects in infants under six months, whose blood-brain barrier is still developing.

Conclusion: 

Fact Crescendo found the claim to be misleading. Although a few studies found these additives to cause health issues, the food safety regulatory bodies found flaws in those studies and declared the above-mentioned additives to be safe when consumed within Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) value.