Latest news with #MarsWrigley
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Skittles removes titanium dioxide from ingredients list amid health concerns
Skittles will no longer be made with titanium dioxide, a color additive, according to multiple media reports. Mars Wrigley, the parent company of Skittles, confirmed to BBC that it stopped using the color additive for Skittles sold in the country last year. KTLA reached out to Mars Wrigley for a statement but didn't hear back in time for publication. The move comes after years of criticism about the presence of titanium dioxide in the candy. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s recent 'Make America Healthy Again' report also pointed out the harms of including the additive in foods. Gov. Gavin Newsom's press office welcomed the news in a post on X, pointing out that the Golden State was the first to ban certain additives used in processed food sold in the state. Assembly Bill 418 prohibits the manufacture and sale of any products that contain Red Dye No. 3, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, or propyl paraben. Those chemicals have already been outlawed in 27 nations in the European Union, according to the bill's author, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino). The bill previously sought to include language also to prohibit the use of titanium dioxide, but that chemical was removed from the banned additive list in its latest revision. In 2016, Mars announced that it would remove 'all artificial colors' from its food products, citing evolving consumer preferences. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
NDTV
3 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
Is Titanium Dioxide Safe? Skittles Pulls Ingredient After Health Warnings
New Delhi: Skittles, the colourful candy known for its "taste the rainbow" slogan, will no longer include titanium dioxide in its US product lineup. Mars Wrigley, the parent company of Skittles, said the ingredient was phased out by the end of 2024. Though it was never banned by US regulators, the additive has long been under scrutiny for potential health risks. What Is Titanium Dioxide? Titanium dioxide has long been used by candy manufacturers for its ability to enhance colours and give sweets a smooth, shiny, and appealing finish. In candies, titanium dioxide acts as a whitening and brightening agent. It is also used in chewing gums, mints, powdered donuts, cake decorations and even toothpaste. Its job is purely aesthetic. It makes colours pop and gives products a consistent, clean appearance. Health Concerns Associated With Titanium Dioxide The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) conducted a comprehensive review in 2021 and concluded that titanium dioxide could no longer be considered safe as a food additive. The conclusion was based on evidence suggesting titanium dioxide particles, especially in nanoparticle form, could accumulate in the body and potentially cause DNA damage, a process known as genotoxicity. Such damage may lead to chromosomal alterations and increase the risk of cancer. Based on this, EFSA declared titanium dioxide unsafe for use in food. Animal studies also linked it to immune system damage, inflammation, and possible effects on the brain. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies titanium dioxide as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" based on inhalation studies in animals. As a result, the European Union banned titanium dioxide in food in 2022. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to permit titanium dioxide in foods, provided it doesn't exceed 1 per cent of the product's weight. Organisations like the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) have petitioned the FDA to ban the component in foods, citing health risks. How To Avoid Titanium Dioxide In Food Read ingredient labels: Look for "titanium dioxide" on the packaging. Sometimes it may be listed as "artificial colour", "E171," or "colour added." Go organic: Certified organic foods are not allowed to contain titanium dioxide or other artificial colours. Limit ultra-processed foods: These often contain many additives, including titanium dioxide. Choose fresh or less-processed foods when you can.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Skittles removes titanium dioxide from their products in US shortly after RFK Jr targeted the additive. What to know
Skittles will no longer be made with titanium dioxide, it has been revealed. A spokesperson for Mars Wrigley, which owns Skittles, confirmed to Fox News Digital that titanium dioxide has been removed from the company's Skittles portfolio in the United States. According to Healthline, 'titanium dioxide is a whitening ingredient in foods, cosmetics, and other products. The FDA considers it safe, but high intake could be harmful.' The change in Skittles comes shortly after the controversial additive was targeted by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The Make America Healthy Again Commission, chaired by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr, released a report last week that assessed chronic diseases, particularly those that affected children. It stated that the additive is "widely used in a range of candies and sauces [and] may cause cellular and DNA damage." "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 said. "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." Following a search of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration's (FDA) FoodData Central website, it was found that 4,362 candies contain titanium dioxide. Back in 2022, the additive was banned by the European Union after a report by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) pointed to genotoxicity. "Genotoxicity refers to the ability of a chemical substance to damage DNA, the genetic material of cells," the EFSA report said. In fact, experimental animal inhalation studies carried out by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health using the additive found that the substance was a "possible carcinogenic to humans."
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Popular candy is forced into major recipe change after bombshell RFK Jr report linked ingredient to DNA-altering chemicals
One of the most popular candies in the country has quietly had its recipe reformulated after a blistering new health report chaired by US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. linked one of its ingredients to DNA damage and possible cancer risks. Mars Wrigley, the global confectionery giant behind Skittles has confirmed that it has removed titanium dioxide from its rainbow-colored candies in the United States. The move follows growing international scrutiny of the additive's potential health effects. '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 said in a statement. '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.' Titanium dioxide is widely used in processed foods to give a bright, opaque appearance but it has increasingly come under fire for what experts warn may be genotoxic and carcinogenic properties. The change comes in the wake of a bombshell report from the Make America Healthy Again Commission, led by RFK Jr. The report, released last Thursday, warned that titanium dioxide, among other food additives, 'may cause cellular and DNA damage' - particularly in children, who are exposed to such chemicals at higher rates through snack foods, candies, and sauces. For decades, titanium dioxide has been considered a 'safe' additive by US regulators but in 2022, the European Union banned its use entirely, citing concerns over its genotoxic effects after extensive European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reviews. Now, under renewed pressure from Kennedy's commission and mounting consumer concern, it appears Mars Wrigley is taking no chances. While the company stressed that all its products 'are safe to enjoy' critics note how Mars' decision speaks volumes as the company did not announce the change publicly. There was no press release or social media campaign and instead just a quiet recipe tweak for one of the world's most recognizable candies. According to the FDA's FoodData Central, there are more than 4,300 food products currently sold in the US that contain titanium dioxide ranging from salad dressings to cookies, but candies make up a particularly high percentage. Since his appointment as Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made no secret of his intent to challenge entrenched interests in Big Food and Big Pharma. The titanium dioxide revelation appears to be one of the first major salvos in what he describes as a broader campaign to reduce exposure to environmental toxins and endocrine disruptors. The inclusion of titanium dioxide in the report sparked immediate concern due to its widespread use and prior warnings from NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health), which has classified it as a 'possible carcinogen to humans' based on inhalation studies in animals. The compound, which is also used in paints, sunscreens, and cosmetics, has been the subject of dozens of peer-reviewed studies indicating potential harm to internal organs, immune response, and DNA repair mechanisms when consumed regularly in nano-sized particles. While Mars Wrigley has now altered its US Skittles recipe, thousands of other products still contain titanium dioxide, and pressure is now mounting on manufacturers and regulators to act. Some advocacy groups are calling for immediate FDA reevaluation of the additive, while others are pushing for federal labeling laws to disclose potentially genotoxic ingredients on packaging. Several food companies have already begun reformulating products in international markets to comply with the EU ban, but the US food industry has been slower to respond, citing outdated GRAS ('Generally Recognized as Safe') designations that critics say no longer reflect the latest scientific consensus. For now, American consumers may still be ingesting titanium dioxide in other sweets, sauces, and baked goods unless they read the fine print. Last month Kennedy was looking to have food petroleum based food dyes removed from sweets, cakes and other treats sold in the US - including Blue 1, Red 40, and Yellow 6. The dyes are known as petroleum based because they are often made by combining a product from petrol with another substance to create the brilliant color. Natural alternatives are available, and are already used in multiple products in Europe - including in Skittles. The dyes have been linked to multiple health problems in animal studies, including cancer and a higher risk of developing tumors. There are also concerns that the bright colors could encourage people to eat more sweet treats, leading to weight gain which is linked to a whole host of chronic diseases. It follows moves from the states, with both California and West Virginia passing laws to ban some artificial food colorings. There are at least 30 others, mostly Democrat, considering similar legislation. The FDA recently ordered that Red 3 must be removed from foods sold in the US by 2027 and medications by 2028, over concerns it can cause cancer. This dye is responsible for the bright red colors found in candies and lollipops, although there are now natural alternatives. Many states are also seeking a ban on Red 40, or Allura red - found in several popular snacks including Doritos, Skittle and Pepsi. Yellow 5 is also on the chopping block, which has been linked to potentially triggering hyperactivity in children and damage to DNA. It is also used in Doritos, juices and cookies. Similarly, Yellow 6 - found in sugary breakfast cereals like Lucky Charms - and Blue 1 - found in sweets like gummy bears - have both also been linked to hyperactivity. Studies in animals have also suggested that Blue 2 - found in sports drinks - and Green 3 - often found in salad dressings - raised the risk of tumors developing, particularly in the bladder and testes.
New York Post
3 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
Skittles drops additive as popular rainbow candy makes major ingredient change
A candy company has removed an ingredient from its popular and colorful rainbow candies. Skittles, owned by Mars Wrigley, will no longer be made with titanium dioxide. A spokesperson for Mars Wrigley, which is based in New Jersey, confirmed to Fox News Digital this week that the company has removed titanium dioxide from its Skittles portfolio in the United States. Titanium dioxide is an additive typically used to make food look whiter and opaque. The Make America Healthy Again Commission, chaired by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., released a report last Thursday assessing chronic diseases, particularly those suffered by children. The report listed additives of potential concern, including titanium dioxide. Skittles has removed titanium dioxide from its main ingredients for making candy. Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images It said the additive is 'widely used in a range of candies and sauces [and] may cause cellular and DNA damage.' '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. '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.' Mars Wrigley, the company that owns Skittles, had a spokesperson confirm to Fox News Digital that the popular candy company will no longer use titanium dioxide, which is an additive typically used to make food look whiter and opaque. Getty Images There are 4,362 candies containing titanium dioxide, according to a search of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration's (FDA) FoodData Central website. The European Union banned the additive in 2022 following a report by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) which pointed to genotoxicity. 'Genotoxicity refers to the ability of a chemical substance to damage DNA, the genetic material of cells,' the EFSA report noted. Experimental animal inhalation studies with titanium dioxide by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found the substance to be a 'possible carcinogenic to humans.'
