Skittles Stops Using Controversial Titanium Dioxide Additive

In a significant move toward cleaner ingredients, Mars Inc. has announced that its Skittles candies are no longer produced with titanium dioxide, a chemical additive traditionally used to whiten and enhance the visual appeal of food products. This change follows growing health concerns and regulatory actions. The company confirmed that the removal was completed at the end of the previous year, reflecting a shift in formulation practices.

Titanium dioxide has been under increasing scrutiny due to its potential health risks. Notably, it was banned in the European Union in 2022 due to concerns about nanoparticles accumulating in the body and possibly damaging DNA. In the United States, the additive remains legal but has faced advocacy and regulatory challenges. Groups such as the Environmental Working Group and the Center for Food Safety submitted petitions to the FDA in 2023, urging a ban on titanium dioxide in foods. As of March 2024, the FDA was still reviewing those petitions.

Mars had previously pledged to eliminate the additive in 2016, yet it continued to list it on some product labels, including Sour Skittles, earlier this year. The company's recent reformulation indicates its commitment to public concern and evolving safety standards. While the updated Skittles do still contain synthetic dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1, which are also under regulatory review for potential health impacts, the removal of titanium dioxide marks a major shift.

Other food companies, including Mondelez and Kraft Heinz, still use titanium dioxide in certain products, and it remains a common ingredient in sunscreens and paints. Industry representatives assure that their use complies with current safety standards, although government agencies such as the FDA and HHS are actively reexamining the safety of such additives. The White House has identified titanium dioxide as an additive of potential concern, and the FDA has accelerated its review process.

Consumers may notice products containing titanium dioxide on shelves until existing stock is depleted. Meanwhile, food safety advocates continue to push for stricter regulations and bans. The move by Mars reflects a broader trend toward transparency and health-conscious choices in food manufacturing.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-skittles-controversial-additive-rfk-jr.html