Latest news with #Skittles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
FIRST ON FOX: Red state investigating M&Ms and Skittles manufacturer for ‘deceptive' practices
Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton is launching an investigation into M&Ms and Skittles manufacturer Mars for alleged "deceptive and illegal practices" regarding the company's use of artificial dyes in its candies. In a statement sent to Fox News Digital, Paxton's office tied the investigation to the attorney general's effort to be a "nationwide leader in fighting alongside" Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and President Donald Trump's Make America Healthy Again initiative to "help Americans get healthier by holding accountable big food companies who violate the law and deceive consumers about their ingredients." Paxton's office is asserting that Mars' alleged misrepresentation of artificial dyes in some of its candies, including M&Ms and Skittles, constitutes deceptive trade practices that run afoul of Texas consumers' rights. The attorney general further pointed out that while Mars continues to use artificial colors in its products in the U.S., it has stopped doing so in Europe. America's Dairy Farmers And Ice Cream Producers Agree To Quit Using Artificial Colors "While we do not comment on active proceedings, all Mars Wrigley ingredients are manufactured in compliance with strict quality and safety regulations established by food safety authorities, including the FDA," a Mars spokesperson told Fox News Digital. Read On The Fox News App In 2016, Mars committed to removing all artificial colors from all its human food products, which at the time it said was "part of a commitment to meet evolving consumer preferences." The company said that though it believed "artificial colors pose no known risks to human health or safety," it was making the change because "consumers today are calling on food manufacturers to use more natural ingredients in their products." Mars said that "against this backdrop, Mars will work closely with its suppliers to find alternatives that not only meet its strict quality and safety standards, but also maintain the vibrant, fun colors consumers have come to expect from the company's beloved brands." In a later update, however, Mars said it had found that "many of our consumers across the world do not, in fact, find artificial colors to be ingredients of concern" and "for that reason, we will continue to prioritize our efforts to remove artificial colors in Europe — where consumers have expressed this preference — but will not be removing all artificial colors from our Mars Snacking portfolio in other markets." Fda Commissioner Backs Maha Push To Improve Food Safety In Paxton's statement, his office said that "Mars also falsely claimed that 'artificial colors pose no known risks to human health or safety,' which could not be further from the truth as these dyes have been linked to a number of negative health outcomes, including Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), autism, and even cancer." The statement said that Paxton has issued a Civil Investigative Demand to obtain documents from Mars as part of the investigation. "Mars must remove toxic artificial dyes from its U.S. food products not only to honor its public commitment and ensure that it stays on the right side of the law, but also because it's the right thing to do," Paxton said in a statement sent to Fox News Digital. "It's clear that the movement to remove artificial colorings from our food supply is making incredible progress, and it's time for Mars to follow the lead of other companies like Nestle and Hershey by removing synthetic dyes from its products," he went on, adding, "For the health of Texans and all Americans, Mars must fulfill its 2016 pledge to get rid of these toxic ingredients." White House Responds To Reports Of Mars Inc Pushing Back On Eliminating Food Dyes White House Senior Advisor on Make America Healthy Again Calley Means has slammed Mars for refusing to remove artificial colors from its products, saying, "this is commonsense" and "these are petroleum-based dyes that have no nutritional value." This follows Paxton launching a similar investigation into General Mills, after which the company committed to removing artificial dyes from its products. The Texas attorney general has also targeted Kellogg's for allegedly violating the state's consumer protection laws by claiming to have removed dyes in its foods. Paxton is currently running to unseat Republican Sen. John Cornyn. Last week, Paxton's wife of 38-years, Texas state Sen. Angela Paxton, announced that she had filed for divorce on "biblical grounds."Original article source: FIRST ON FOX: Red state investigating M&Ms and Skittles manufacturer for 'deceptive' practices Solve the daily Crossword
The Hill
a day ago
- Business
- The Hill
Which companies have agreed to drop artificial food dyes?
Video above: FDA announces in April 2025 that it will phase out food dyes. (NEXSTAR) — Dozens of companies that make ice cream and frozen dairy desserts announced on Monday that they would remove artificial food dyes from their products by 2028, marking yet another voluntary move away from such food coloring within the food industry. It comes in response to a mission set forth by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to remove the artificial additives. Why are companies ditching artificial dyes? In April, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary said the agency would move to eliminate several synthetic dyes by the end of next year. That includes Green 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, and Blue 2. Red 3 was set to be banned in food by 2027 because it caused cancer in laboratory rats; the FDA called for that deadline to move up. A new Texas law could have wider effect on how food products are made, experts suggest The agency is relying largely on voluntary efforts by food manufacturers but also plans to establish a standard and timeline for the food industry to switch to natural alternatives and revoke authorization for dyes not in production. Additionally, the FDA said it would authorize four new natural color additives. Which companies have said they'll stop using dyes? Many U.S. food companies are already reformulating their foods, according to Sensient Colors, one of the world's largest producers of food dyes and flavorings. In place of synthetic dyes, foodmakers can use natural hues made from beets, algae and crushed insects and pigments from purple sweet potatoes, radishes and red cabbage. Among those that have recently announced plans to ditch synthetic colors are General Mills, Pepsico, ConAgra, Nestle, McCormick, Tyson Foods, Sam's Club, JM Smucker, Hershey, and Kraft Heinz. In-N-Out confirmed to Nexstar's KLTA in May that it was removing artificial coloring from some items. Nonetheless, relying on voluntary action rather than regulatory requirements won't guarantee compliance, said Thomas Galligan, a scientist with the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a consumer advocacy group. 'Talk is cheap,' Galligan said. 'It's easy for companies to make promises to look like they're being compliant and generate goodwill among consumers and the Trump administration, but it remains to be seen if they will actually follow through.' Not every company is joining in. Mars, which makes Skittles and M&M's, has been a hold-out, according to reports. Are artificial dyes bad? Artificial dyes are used widely in U.S. foods. In Canada and in Europe — where synthetic colors are required to carry warning labels — manufacturers mostly use natural substitutes. Several states, including California and West Virginia, have passed laws restricting the use of artificial colors in foods. Health advocates have long called for the removal of artificial dyes from foods, citing mixed studies indicating they can cause neurobehavioral problems, including hyperactivity and attention issues, in some children. The FDA has maintained that the approved dyes are safe and that 'the totality of scientific evidence shows that most children have no adverse effects when consuming foods containing color additives.' Which foods contain Red 3, the dye now banned by the FDA? The FDA currently allows 36 food color additives, including eight synthetic dyes. Removing dyes from the food supply will not address the chief health problems that plague Americans, said Susan Mayne, a Yale University chronic disease expert and former director of the FDA's food center. 'With every one of their announcements, they're focusing in on something that's not going to accomplish what they say it is,' Mayne said of Kennedy's initiatives. 'Most of these food dyes have been in our food supply for 100 years. … So why aren't they driving toward reductions in things that do drive chronic disease rates?'
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Trump admin's healthy push: Ice-cream to go dye-free; plant-based colours to be used instead
In what the Trump administration called a 'major announcement', the US dairy industry has agreed to voluntarily remove synthetic dyes from ice-cream products, a shift officials say could lead to healthier options, especially for children. 'This is relevant to my favorite food, which is ice-cream,' said US health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. 'Since we came in about five and a half months ago and started talking about eliminating dyes and other bad chemicals from our food, we've had this extraordinary response from our industry,' The Guardian quoted the official. More than 40 ice-cream manufacturers have reportedly signed on to the voluntary agreement, according to representatives from the dairy sector. Kennedy also hinted at upcoming dietary guidelines that will 'elevate' dairy, including full-fat products, to reflect their contribution to children's health. Dr Marty Makary, head of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), also revealed that the agency has approved a new plant-based dye, 'gardenia blue', which may serve as a natural alternative. The health benefits of full-fat dairy remain contested. While longstanding guidance has warned against excessive intake of saturated fats, sugars and refined grains, a growing number of researchers argue that full-fat dairy may not be as harmful as once believed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Providers are furious: Internet access without a subscription! Techno Mag Undo This view is echoed by the dairy industry, which has invested heavily in nutrition research and pushed back on government restrictions on dairy in school meals since the Obama era. In rural farming communities, the debate is more than academic. Farmers have displayed hand-painted hay bales with slogans such as 'Drink whole milk 97% fat free,' underlining the cultural and economic importance of dairy in these regions. The Trump administration's close ties with the dairy sector are well-documented. Back in 2019, former agriculture secretary Sonny Perdue famously toasted dairy lobbyists with chocolate milk to mark the return of flavoured milk to school cafeterias. 'This is a great day for dairy and a great day for 'make America healthy again,'' said Michael Dykes, president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association. 'We're so happy with the voluntary industry-led commitment.' Still, the administration's preference for voluntary deals has met resistance elsewhere. Kennedy's efforts to secure similar commitments from confectionery giant Mars, maker of Skittles and M&M's, fell flat. Health experts have also raised doubts on whether voluntary pacts with private health insurers will deliver meaningful change for Americans. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Ice cream, other foods getting makeover as part of MAHA
The White House is touting progress in getting artificial colors and harmful chemicals out of the U.S. food supply — including news that ice cream companies that together make more than 90% of the ice cream sold in the U.S. have agreed to stop using certified artificial colors in their products. 'President Donald J. Trump took office promising to confront the chronic health crisis plaguing Americans — and six months later, he is delivering on that promise by removing harmful chemicals from our food supply," per a White House news release Monday. The effort is in line with findings of U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy's 'Make Americans Healthy Again' effort. In a report the department recently issued, chemical exposures and food dyes were called out as harmful. As Deseret News noted, the report on children's health focused on four things: an unhealthy diet — including artificial ingredients and dyes — exposure to environmental chemicals, too little activity and overprescription of medications. The White House list of companies that manufacture food and promise to make it healthier includes: Steak 'n Shake replaced its buttery blend with 100% all natural beef tallow, per QSR Magazine. In-N-Out told Good Morning America that it is making the same transition to 100% beef tallow and said it will remove artificial food dyes and artificial flavors from its menu items. McCormick said it will drop certain food dyes. McCormick CEO Brendan Foley told analysts that 'we are seeing a tick-up in reformulation activity' regarding food dyes and sodium, the latter of which he added they've always been working on, per Fox Business. PepsiCo is going to reformulate some of its products, including Tostitos and Lay's chips by the end of the year to remove artificial ingredients. Ramon Laguarta, company chair and CEO, told Food Business News in April that 60% of the company's portfolio already didn't have artificial colors. Tyson Foods has been 'proactively reformulating' products that contain petroleum-based artificial dyes, per Reuters. The company noted that most of its products don't contain those dyes. Mars Wrigley removed titanium dioxide from Skittles. Fox News reported it's typically used 'to make food look whiter and opaque.' Sam's Club has said it is 96% of the way to the goal of removing artificial ingredients from its private brand, Member's Mark. The warehouse store is calling the effort 'made without,' per a release from Walmart, Sam's Club's parent company. It said that 'the 'Made Without' list includes over 40 distinct ingredients, such as artificial colors, aspartame and high-fructose corn syrup, that were identified based on a combination of member feedback, nutritional guidance and industry trends.' Kraft-Heinz is giving its products a no-artificial-dyes makeover in the U.S., as Deseret News earlier reported. General Mills is taking artificial dyes from its cereals and all foods sold in K-12 schools, as the Associated Press reported. Nestlé USA said most of its portfolio doesn't have synthetic colors, but it's reformulating products that do to eliminate them by the middle of next year. 'Conagra Foods announced it will remove certain color additives from its frozen products, no longer offer products with artificial dyes in K-12 schools and stop using artificial dyes in the manufacturing of its products," per the White House. JM Smucker is getting rid of its synthetic colors from consumer food products, according to FoodDive and Hershey is doing the same, per Bloomberg. The Consumer Brands Association said it is urging its food and beverage companies to stop using the certified Food, Drug and Cosmetic colors from products served in schools by fall 2026.
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Staggering price for a handful of strawberries at Wimbledon after first hike in 15 years – as full food list is revealed
THE staggering price for Wimbledon's classic strawberries and cream has been revealed - as the full food list is confirmed. Since 2010, guests had been able to enjoy the sweet treat for £2.50. 4 Strawberries and cream are a long-time Wimbledon staple Credit: AFP - Getty 4 Zendaya was snapped enjoying the sweet treat Credit: Getty 4 Prices for strawberries and cream were increased after 15 years Credit: Getty Strawberries and cream hiked in price for first time in 15 years After 15 years, SW19 chiefs upped the price ahead of this year's edition of the Wimbledon. Visitors now pay £2.70 - marking a total increase of 20p. Speaking previously, a Wimbledon spokesperson said: "We have taken the decision to slightly increase the price of strawberries this year from £2.50 to £2.70. "We feel that this modest increase still ensures that our world-famous strawberries are available at a very reasonable price." Read more on Wimbledon Strawberries and cream have been a Wimbledon staple since the tennis tournament's inception in 1877. Approximately 140,000 punnets of them are sold each year, meaning the new price brings in an extra £28,000 for the club. Despite the increase, Wimbledon has reiterated its commitment to being accessible to all by continuing the tradition of allowing fans to bring in their own food and drink, including alcohol. Full food and drinks price list revealed Aside from strawberries and cream, Wimbledon's Most read in Sport The cost of a pint of draught beer has increased by 35p from last summer . For example, a pint of Stella Artois priced up at £8.85 ($12) and a Guinness costing £8.45. Queen thanks Novak Djokovic for letting her stay in his 'lovely' property in 'private' chat at Wimbledon Bottles of beer have also increased by 30p this time around. It's cheaper than the darts though - with Fans can also opt for a classic glass of Pimm's - although it will set them back a whopping £12.25 ($17), 30p more than last summer . Elsewhere, a bag of Skittles sets spectators back £5 ($7) and it's the same price for some Haribo - each 40p more than. Perhaps the more cost-efficient sweet treat is a packet of Minstrels, which at £4.40 are actually 20p cheaper than last year. Still to come This year's Women's Final will see USA 's Amanda Anisimova face Poland's Iga Świątek. In one Men's Semi Finals, Italy 's Jannik Sinner will play against the legendary Novak Djokovic. Meanwhile, Spain 's USA 's 4 Last year's Men's singles champion Carlos Alcaraz will hope to maintain his dominance Credit: PA
