Mars Wrigley’s Skittles is removing titanium dioxide from its ingredients in the popular candy.
“Our commitment to quality is what has enabled Mars to be enjoyed by consumers for over a century, and nothing is more important than the safety of our products,” a company spokesperson told Fox News. “All our products are safe to enjoy and meet the high standards and applicable regulations set by food safety authorities around the world, and that’s something we will never compromise on.”
Bloomberg reported that the ingredient began being removed from the candy at the end of last year. The report noted that food dyes Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 are still in use, although the company plans to remove them by the end of 2026.
A recent report from the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission stated, “Over 2,500 food additives—including emulsifiers, binders, sweeteners, colorings, and preservatives—may be used to mimic the taste and texture of conventional food and increase its shelf life.” These additives are linked to “carcinogenic effects,” among other health concerns.
Titanium dioxide was described in the report as “widely used” ingredient found in a “range of candies and sauces, which may cause cellular and DNA damage.”
“Certain food colorings, such as red 40, which is present in widely-consumed products, have been associated with behavioral issues in children, such as increased hyperactivity and symptoms consistent with ADHD,” the report noted. “Additionally, preliminary evidence suggests a possible association between the consumption of food colorings and autism, although further long-term research is necessary to establish a definitive link.”
