Texas Attorney General Investigating Mars Over its Use of Food Colors

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on July 16 announced an investigation into Mars Inc. for reneging on a 2016 public pledge to “remove all artificial colors from its human food products” – as quoted by the Texas AG.

Mars, which makes M&M’s, Skittles and other brightly colored candies, removed the synthetic colors from its products distributed in Europe but “chose not to remove the toxic dyes from products sold in the U.S.,” according to Paxton. He’s investigating the company “for deceptive trade practices that violate Texas consumers’ rights.”

Paxton’s media release also noted Mars 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," according to Paxton.

“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,” said Paxton.

He also noted the movement to remove artificial colorings from our food supply is picking up steam, “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 fulfill its 2016 pledge to get rid of these toxic ingredients.”