The makers of Skittles candy have quietly made a significant change to their colorful treat. Mars Wrigley has confirmed it has removed titanium dioxide, a whitening agent that has raised health concerns, from its popular rainbow-colored candies in the United States.
According to Fox News, a spokesperson for Mars Wrigley recently confirmed the ingredient change for the Skittles portfolio. The New Jersey-based company made the decision following growing scrutiny of the additive.
The ingredient change comes shortly after the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, chaired by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., released a report highlighting titanium dioxide as a potential health concern. The report specifically noted the additive may cause cellular and DNA damage.
Titanium dioxide has long been used in food products to create a whiter appearance and opacity in various foods. The ingredient is particularly common in candies, with the FDA's FoodData Central website listing 4,362 candy products containing the substance.
The European Union took stronger action against the ingredient in 2022, implementing an outright ban following a report from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). That report pointed to genotoxicity concerns associated with the additive.
The EFSA report specifically noted that "genotoxicity refers to the ability of a chemical substance to damage DNA, the genetic material of cells." This finding was significant enough for European regulators to remove the substance from food products.
Mars Wrigley emphasized its commitment to product safety while confirming the ingredient change. The company maintains that consumer safety remains its highest priority.
"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," the Mars Wrigley spokesperson told Fox News Digital. This statement underscores the company's focus on maintaining consumer trust amid growing scrutiny of food additives.
The spokesperson further stated that all their products "are safe to enjoy and meet the high standards and applicable regulations set by food safety authorities around the world," adding that safety standards are something the company "will never compromise on."
The removal of titanium dioxide from Skittles follows a broader trend of food manufacturers responding to health concerns about various additives. This move comes as consumers increasingly demand transparency about ingredients in their food.
The MAHA Commission report released last Thursday took a comprehensive look at chronic diseases, with particular attention to those affecting children. The report listed several additives of potential concern, with titanium dioxide among them.
Research into titanium dioxide has raised red flags beyond the European findings. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health conducted experimental animal inhalation studies with the substance and classified it as a "possible carcinogenic to humans."
The decision by Mars Wrigley could signal a shift in how American food manufacturers approach ingredients that have been banned or restricted in other countries. In-N-Out Burger recently made similar ingredient changes to its drinks and condiments.
The FDA continues to list titanium dioxide as "generally recognized as safe" in the United States, creating a regulatory difference between American and European approaches to food safety. This discrepancy puts pressure on U.S. manufacturers to decide whether to proactively remove ingredients that face restrictions elsewhere.
Mars Wrigley has not detailed what replacement ingredient it is using to maintain Skittles' appearance, nor has the company indicated whether the change will affect other products in its extensive candy portfolio that may contain the additive.
