Skittles ingredient change: Mars Removes Titanium Dioxide
Skittles, the popular chewy candy known for its vibrant colors, has undergone a significant ingredient change in the United States. Mars, the parent company, has phased out the controversial color additive titanium dioxide (TiO₂) from its US Skittles portfolio, completing the removal process at the end of 2023.
This move follows years of scrutiny and criticism regarding the presence of the ingredient in the candy. It also comes amidst a heightened public and political debate in the US surrounding processed foods and their additives, recently amplified by reports like the White House’s “Make America Healthy Again” assessment, which highlighted titanium dioxide as a key concern.
What is Titanium Dioxide and Why is it Controversial?
Titanium dioxide is a white pigment widely used in various products, including paint, cosmetics, sunscreen, and yes, food. In candies and other food items, it serves a functional purpose, helping to make products appear brighter or shinier.
However, the safety of titanium dioxide as a food additive has been questioned, particularly in Europe. In 2021, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that titanium dioxide could no longer be considered safe for food use, citing concerns about its potential for “genotoxicity” – the ability to damage DNA – and noting that while absorption is low, particles could accumulate in the body. Consequently, the European Union banned titanium dioxide as a food additive in 2022, with the prohibition taking full effect in August of that year.
Despite the EU ban, titanium dioxide remains permitted for use as a food additive in many countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand, subject to specific conditions and quantity limits (in the US, it’s limited to no more than 1% of the food’s weight). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains that available safety studies “do not demonstrate safety concerns” related to its use under these conditions and states it continues to review new information.
Pressure and Advocacy Drive Change
Even without a federal ban in the US, pressure has been mounting on companies to remove titanium dioxide and other controversial additives. Mars had previously announced a broader goal in 2016 to remove “all artificial colors” from its food products, attributing this shift to evolving consumer preferences.
More recently, advocacy groups like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) have actively campaigned against titanium dioxide, filing petitions asking the FDA to ban it. While the FDA has not yet taken enforceable action on such petitions, state-level initiatives have proved more impactful. According to the EWG, actions at the state level have been key drivers in prompting companies like Mars to change their recipes. Although a high-profile effort to ban the additive in California in 2023 was unsuccessful, similar legislative pushes continue in other states.
Mars and other companies that use titanium dioxide have historically disputed claims of health risks associated with its consumption. A spokesperson for Mars emphasized the company’s commitment to quality and product safety, stating that “All our products are safe to enjoy and meet the high standards and applicable regulations set by food safety authorities around the world.”
What Does This Mean for Skittles?
Mars has not provided a specific reason for the timing of the titanium dioxide removal from US Skittles, nor has the company commented on whether consumers might notice any difference in the candy’s appearance after the ingredient’s removal. They also did not confirm if this change would apply to Skittles sold outside of the United States.
The ingredient change follows past controversies, including a class-action lawsuit filed against Mars in 2022 over the presence of titanium dioxide in Skittles, which was ultimately dismissed.
The decision by Mars to remove titanium dioxide from US Skittles reflects a complex interplay of international regulatory actions, growing consumer scrutiny, sustained pressure from activist groups, and legislative efforts at the state level, contributing to broader changes in the processed food landscape. Consumers can increasingly find candies and other products that opt against using titanium dioxide as a color additive by checking ingredient lists.
References
- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c14kp3rdreeo
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c14kp3rdreeo
- https://ca.news.yahoo.com/mars-phases-controversial-colour-additive-162344725.html
- https://www.aol.com/mars-phases-controversial-colour-additive-162344956.html
- https://www.npr.org/2022/07/22/1112929301/skittles-lawsuit-titanium-dioxide
