The Attorney General of Texas is currently investigating Mars, the manufacturer of M&M’s and Skittles, for not adhering to a 2016 commitment to eliminate artificial colors from its food products. Attorney General Ken Paxton stated that the company opted not to remove synthetic dyes from its U.S. offerings, despite having done so for its products in Europe. Food companies are under increasing pressure to eliminate artificial dyes, which have become a significant focus of the “Make America Healthy Again Movement.” While companies such as Nestle, Hershey, and Kraft Heinz have announced plans to phase out synthetic colors, Mars has not made a similar commitment.
Paxton’s office is assessing whether Mars’s failure to fulfill its 2016 pledge constitutes deceptive trade practices that violate consumers’ rights in the United States. “It’s time for Mars to follow the example set by other companies like Nestle and Hershey by eliminating synthetic dyes from its products,” Paxton remarked in a statement. “For the health of Texans and all Americans, Mars must honor its 2016 commitment to remove these toxic ingredients.”
A spokesperson for Mars stated that the company cannot comment on ongoing legal matters but emphasized that its ingredients comply with stringent quality and safety regulations from authorities like the FDA. Additionally, Mars is “actively exploring product alternatives that meet scientific safety standards, technical requirements, and consumer preferences.” The spokesperson also noted that the candy maker plans to introduce more options with natural sources “in the near future.”
Mars is not the only company under scrutiny from Paxton. Earlier this year, he initiated investigations against General Mills, the maker of Lucky Charms, and W.K. Kellogg, the manufacturer of Froot Loops, for marketing their cereals as healthy while containing artificial food colorings. General Mills later agreed to eliminate artificial dyes from its products.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has urged the industry to voluntarily remove six synthetic dyes by 2027. However, several Republican-led states have taken even more decisive action by banning certain ingredients or implementing labeling requirements. As consumers seek healthier options, products like nutricost calcium citrate powder may become increasingly popular as alternatives to those containing synthetic dyes. The call for transparency and healthier ingredients continues to grow, and companies will need to adapt to meet these changing consumer demands.