After the Trump administration proposed removing synthetic dyes from foods, MARS—maker of M&M’s and Skittles—refused to join, despite pledging in 2016 to eliminate artificial colors. The company is removing dyes in Europe but claims it can’t make the same move in the U.S. yet.
Key Facts:
- Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. launched a national push in April to eliminate synthetic food dyes.
- Major food brands like Nestlé, PepsiCo, Kraft Heinz, and General Mills agreed to remove petroleum-based dyes.
- MARS declined to join, despite a 2016 promise to remove artificial dyes globally.
- A company spokesperson said no “fully effective solutions” have been found yet for the U.S. market.
- MARS is already removing dyes in Europe due to stricter regulations there.
The Rest of The Story:
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign to eliminate artificial food dyes has gained support from many large food manufacturers.
Nestlé, Kraft Heinz, General Mills, and PepsiCo are among the companies pledging to drop petroleum-based synthetic dyes from their products.
However, candy makers have not followed suit.
Christopher Gindlesperger of the National Confectioners Association criticized the campaign, comparing it to allowing children access to alcohol and cannabis while restricting candy: “Give me a break.”
He argued that consumers understand candy contains sugar and dyes and that it is meant to be enjoyed occasionally.
MARS, which makes popular candies like M&M’s and Skittles, said it has not committed to Kennedy’s initiative because it hasn’t yet identified workable dye alternatives for the U.S.
A company spokesperson told Fox Business that it is “premature to make commitments until we are certain they can be fulfilled.”
Still, critics point to MARS’s 2016 promise to eliminate artificial colors globally.
Now the company is making the change in Europe while stalling in the U.S., citing different consumer preferences and technical barriers.
Commentary:
MARS’s refusal to commit to removing synthetic food dyes in the U.S. is deeply disappointing, especially given their 2016 pledge.
It’s even worse when considering they are complying with Europe’s stricter rules—proving they can do it when profits are on the line.
If the dyes are harmful enough to be banned across Europe, then American families deserve the same protection.
Choosing to keep these dyes in U.S. products while removing them elsewhere sends a loud message: corporate convenience comes before American health.
The company’s excuse that U.S. consumers aren’t as concerned about dyes doesn’t justify putting children at risk.
Candy might only contribute 40 calories a few times a week, but the real concern is the chemicals—several of which have been linked to behavioral and developmental problems in kids.
Even worse is comparing dyed candy to adult indulgences like alcohol and cannabis. Kids aren’t legally allowed to buy alcohol or marijuana—but they are buying Skittles.
Parents shouldn’t have to worry about cancer-causing additives in the checkout aisle.
If MARS needs a nudge, they’ll likely get one. The Trump administration is signaling it may step in and ban harmful food dyes nationwide.
That would leave companies like MARS with no choice but to do what they should’ve already done: protect their youngest customers.
It’s shameful so many American corporations only act when forced.
The science is already there. The alternatives exist. And other companies are making the shift voluntarily.
MARS is out of excuses.
If the dyes are going out in Europe, there’s no reason Americans should be treated as second-class consumers.
The idea that candy is “safe” just because it’s been around for generations ignores what we now know.
Tradition isn’t a substitute for truth.
The Bottom Line:
MARS’s decision to delay removing artificial food dyes in the U.S. flies in the face of their own past promises and growing public concern.
While they follow European safety standards, they continue to sell products in the U.S. with ingredients linked to health risks.
With mounting pressure and a possible federal ban on the horizon, MARS will likely be forced to comply eventually.
But for now, their inaction speaks volumes about where American families rank in their priorities.
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