Latest news with #titaniumdioxide
Daily Mail
2 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.
Fox News
2 days ago
- Business
- Fox News
Popular rainbow candy just got a major ingredient change as Skittles drops additive
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. 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." 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."
BBC News
2 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Skittles-maker Mars phases out controversial colour additive
Skittles in the US are no longer being made with titanium dioxide, a colour additive that was banned in the European Union in 2022 over possible health giant Mars said it had stopped using the ingredient in its US Skittles portfolio at the end of last move follows years of criticism about the presence of titanium dioxide in the candy and comes as US President Donald Trump's elevation of Robert F Kennedy Jr to lead the Department of Health and Human Services has pushed concerns about processed foods to the front of public health debates. Mars had said in 2016 that it would stop using "all artificial colours" in its foods, citing evolving consumer preferences. Mars and other firms have disputed claims of health risks associated with consumption of titanium dioxide, a white pigment that is used in bakery products, sweets, cosmetics and other products such as is allowed in many countries, including the US, UK, Canada and New Zealand. In the US, a high-profile 2023 effort in California to ban the ingredient was defeated, but efforts in other states continue to White House's Make America Healthy Again report published earlier this month also spotlighted titanium dioxide and other food additives as a concern. Mars, which also makes M&Ms, Snickers and Kind snack bars, did not explain why it had made the decision, which was first reported by Bloomberg. The company did not respond when asked whether the change would apply to Skittles sold outside the US. "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," a spokesperson 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." Skittles, which have ranked among the world's most popular chewy candies, were invented in the UK. They have been made in the US since 1981. Mars' Wrigley division bought the brand in 2022, the company faced a class-action lawsuit over titanium dioxide in Skittles, which was dismissed.
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Venator Launches New TMP- and TME- free TIOXIDE® TR85 Pigment Optimized for Coatings Applications
WYNYARD, UNITED KINGDOM, May 28, 2025 / / -- Venator, a leading supplier of specialty chemicals and ingredients, has introduced TMP- and TME- free TIOXIDE® TR85, part of a series of reformulated titanium dioxide (TiO2 ) pigments. This range of innovative products is designed to stay ahead of changing regulations, while maintaining the same high-performance that customers expect from Venator products. Optimized for use in the coatings sector, TIOXIDE® TR85 pigment has successfully undergone numerous commercial scale trials, with some customers having already successfully switched to the TMP- free version, and is now fully launched in the market. This product is ideal for both interior and exterior tint bases and water-based coatings, and boasts excellent weathering performance. This TIOXIDE® TR85 pigment is Venator's second in a new series of TMP- and TME- free pigments, following the release of TIOXIDE® TR81 pigment earlier this year. Nicolas Joly, Venator's Executive Vice President of Commercial, said: 'Behind the scenes, our Venator technical experts have been working tirelessly on transitioning our entire coatings portfolio. This is the second in a series of new products, more of which will be released in the coming months.' The TMP- and TME- free TIOXIDE® TR85 pigment is available now. To find out more, a webinar discussing TMP reclassification and Venator's TMP-free range is available on request, or customers can reach out to their local sales representative for further information. About Venator Venator is a global manufacturer and marketer of chemical products that comprise a broad range of pigments and additives that bring color and vibrancy to buildings, protect and extend product life, and reduce energy consumption. We market our products globally to a diversified group of industrial customers through two segments: Titanium Dioxide, which consists of our TiO2 business, and Performance Additives, which consists of our functional additives, color pigments and timber treatment businesses. Based in Wynyard, U.K., Venator employs approximately 2,300 associates and sells its products in more than 109 countries. For more information about Venator visit Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this press release constitute 'forward-looking statements'. These forward- looking statements represent Venator's expectations or beliefs concerning future events, and it is possible that the expected results described in this press release will not be achieved. These forward looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of Venator's control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward looking statements, including: volatile global economic conditions and a downturn in the worldwide economy due to inflation, geopolitics, or other factors; changes in raw material and energy prices; interruptions in raw materials and energy; the impact of the imposition of new tariffs or duties or a resulting trade war; economic and other impacts from the military conflict in Ukraine and the economic sanctions imposed due to the conflict; public health crises and the measures put in place by governments in response; Venator's ability to maintain sufficient working capital; Venator's ability to address its debt service obligations and to comply with the covenants and restrictions imposed by the terms and conditions of its financing arrangements; Venator's ability to access capital markets on favorable terms or at all, and its ability to continue to engage with its shareholders and debtholders; the lack of a trading market and volatility in the price of Venator's ordinary shares; employee attrition and Venator's ability to retain senior management and other key personnel; the costs associated with site closures and transformational projects; the execution, timing and impact of Venator's cost reduction programs and initiatives and Venator's potential need to seek additional strategic or cost-saving alternatives; Venator's ability to realize financial and operational benefits from its operational improvement plans and initiatives; industry production capacity and operating rates; the supply demand balance for Venator's products and that of competing products; pricing pressures; Venator's ability to successfully implement price increases; Venator's ability to regain market share; technological developments; legal claims by or against Venator; changes in government regulations, including increased manufacturing; labeling and waste disposal regulations and TiO2 classification by regulatory agencies; management of materials resulting from Venator's manufacturing process, including the ability to develop commercial markets in the regions in which Venator manufactures and Venator's ability to dispose of these materials, if necessary; the impacts of increasing climate change regulations; wars, terrorism and other geopolitical events, and cyberattacks. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and, except as required by law, Venator does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Venator to predict all such factors. Such factors could cause Venator's actual results, outcomes, expectations and projections to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Natalie Yates Venator email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Facebook X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. 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Bloomberg
3 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Skittles Removes Controversial Additive Targeted by RFK Jr.
By and Will Kubzansky Save Mars Inc. 's Skittles candies are no longer being made with titanium dioxide, a chemical that whitens foods, brightens colors and makes candy appear shiny, the company confirmed to Bloomberg News. The additive was banned in the European Union in 2022 over concerns that nanoparticles of the substance might accumulate in the body and damage DNA. It has also come under scrutiny by the Department of Health and Human Services in recent months under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
