Despite numerous companies signaling support for Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) efforts, one major candy producer signaled it would not join the health initiative.
MARS, the company behind M&M’s and Skittles, pushed back on MAHA, claiming that it does not have effective solutions for eliminating synthetic dyes.
“We are aware of the administration’s request and our technical experts are exploring alternatives that satisfy scientific safety criteria, technical requirements and consumer preferences,” a company spokesperson told Fox Business. “At this time, we have not yet identified fully effective solutions and believe it is premature to make commitments until we are certain they can be fulfilled. We will continue our efforts and anticipate being able to offer consumers more choice in the near future. Meanwhile, it is important to underline that all of our products continue to be safe to enjoy and meet the high standards and applicable regulations set by food safety authorities.”
Earlier this year, MARS declared it would phase out titanium dioxide from its products.
“Mars has announced the removal of titanium dioxide from Skittles,” Kennedy said at the time. “I’ve long been critical of the use of harmful additives in our food, especially when companies are fully capable of producing safer versions for European markets. When corporations take steps that help make our children—and America—healthy again, it’s a move in the right direction.”
A report from the MAHA Commission described titanium dioxide as a “widely used” ingredient found in a “range of candies and sauces, which may cause cellular and DNA damage.”
