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Mars Drops Titanium Dioxide from U.S. Skittles Production

European authorities banned the whitening agent over DNA damage concerns, prompting Mars to reformulate its recipe

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Skittles removes titanium dioxide from their products in US shortly after RFK Jr targeted the additive (Unsplash - representational image)

Overview

  • Mars confirmed titanium dioxide was removed from all Skittles production at the end of 2024 and is updating its website to reflect the change.
  • The additive faced a 2022 EU ban after the European Food Safety Authority deemed it genotoxic, with a federal health commission also flagging DNA damage risks.
  • Skittles continue to use synthetic dyes such as Red 40, Yellow 5 and Blue 1, which the FDA and HHS aim to phase out by the end of 2026.
  • Groups including the Environmental Working Group and Center for Food Safety petitioned the FDA to rescind its approval, prompting the agency to accelerate a safety review in May 2025.
  • Existing packs containing titanium dioxide may remain on shelves until retailers sell through their inventory.