Mars Removes Controversial Colour Additive from US Skittles

Mars Inc. has officially discontinued the use of titanium dioxide – a colour additive banned in the European Union in 2022 – in its Skittles candies sold in the United States. The company confirmed that the ingredient was phased out at the end of last year.

Titanium dioxide, a white pigment commonly used to brighten and add shine to food products, cosmetics, and even paints, has long faced scrutiny over potential health concerns. While many countries, including the US, UK, and Canada, still allow its use, increasing public debate and regulatory pressure have pushed companies to reconsider its inclusion.

Mars’ decision follows years of criticism regarding the additive’s safety, intensified recently by renewed focus on food ingredients sparked by policy shifts in the US government. The appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services has brought processed foods and their additives into sharper public health discussions.

In 2016, Mars pledged to remove all artificial colours from its products to meet changing consumer preferences, but titanium dioxide remained until now. The company has not disclosed whether consumers will notice any changes in appearance or taste after the removal.

Despite concerns raised by advocacy groups, Mars and other manufacturers maintain that titanium dioxide is safe and complies with regulatory standards. The company emphasized its commitment to product safety, stating, “All our products are safe to enjoy and meet the high standards and applicable regulations set by food safety authorities around the world.”

Environmental Working Group (EWG), an activist organization focused on chemical safety, praised state-level campaigns for pressuring companies like Mars to reformulate. Melanie Benesh, EWG’s Vice President of Government Affairs, noted that while the FDA has yet to take decisive regulatory action on titanium dioxide, ongoing efforts at the state level are creating real change.

Skittles, a popular candy brand originally created in the UK and produced in the US since 1981, was acquired by Mars’ Wrigley division in 2009. In 2022, Mars faced a class-action lawsuit over titanium dioxide in Skittles, which was eventually dismissed.

Mars has not yet announced whether the removal of titanium dioxide will extend to Skittles sold outside the US.