Texas attorney general launches investigation into Mars Incorporated’s US dye usage

The attorney general of Texas, Ken Paxton, has moved to launch an investigation into Mars, Incorporated, over the company’s continued use of artificial colours in the US – which the business has claimed it is taking action on, writes Neill Barston.

According to the senior state lawmaker’s office, the major confectioner has yet to fulfil a pledge made in 2016 that it would remove all such items from its human food chain – which is happening in Europe, but reportedly not for its domestic American market.

The attorney general expressed fears over the potential toxicity of dyes in some of its most popular ranges of confectionery, which the company has refuted in stating it has complied with FDA health requirements.

Indeed, as reported by Confectionery Production last month, Mars Wrigley confirmed that it has moved to remove Titanium Dioxide, which is present in small quantities for its flagship Skittles brand, which is used in giving the series its unique sheen.

In a statement on the issue, the attorney’s office claimed that the dyes used been linked to a number of negative health outcomes, including Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), autism, and even cancer, though the manufacturer has moved to assert that its products remain safe to consume.

The Attorney general said: “Mars must remove toxic artificial dyes from its U.S. food products not only to honour 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.

“It’s clear that the movement to remove artificial colourings 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. For the health of Texans and all Americans, Mars must fulfil its 2016 pledge to get rid of these toxic ingredients.”

In response, Mars stated that it is ‘actively exploring choice product alternative that satisfy scientific safety criteria, technical requirements and consumer preference,” asserting that shoppers’ attitudes towards dyes varied between different regions.

As the National Confectioners Association has also noted on the issue, it believed that companies must be given adequate time to deliver alternative product solutions, given the significant cost of reformulation at a time of comparative economic uncertainty. 

As the Attorney’s office added, Paxton has taken a stance alongside Secretary Kennedy and President Trump to help Americans get healthier by holding accountable big food companies who violate the law and deceive consumers about their ingredients.

For example, it cited the fact that General Mills recently announced that it would remove toxic artificial dyes from its products following an investigation by Attorney General Paxton.