Skittles Removes Titanium Dioxide Amid Health Concerns

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — Skittles, the colorful candy brand owned by Mars Wrigley, has announced that it will no longer contain titanium dioxide, a controversial additive linked to potential health risks. The decision follows a report released last Thursday by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which assessed chronic diseases, especially in children.

A spokesperson for Mars Wrigley confirmed to Fox News Digital that the ingredient had been removed from Skittles sold in the United States. Titanium dioxide is commonly used to enhance the whiteness and opacity of food products.

The report, issued by the Make America Healthy Again Commission, flagged titanium dioxide as an additive of potential concern. It stated that the substance is widely found in various candies and sauces and could cause cellular and DNA damage. The spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to quality, stating, “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.”

In total, there are approximately 4,362 candies that contain titanium dioxide, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s FoodData Central website. The additive has drawn scrutiny globally, and in 2022, the European Union banned it following a report from the European Food Safety Authority, which cited issues related to genotoxicity, the potential for damaging genetic material in cells.

Experimental studies by the National Institute for Occupational Safety have also suggested that titanium dioxide may be “possibly carcinogenic to humans,” further fueling concerns about its safety in food products.

Mars Wrigley reiterated its stance on product safety, assuring consumers that “All our products are safe to enjoy and meet the high standards and applicable regulations set by authorities around the world, and that’s something we will never compromise on.”