Mars Inc. has officially removed titanium dioxide from its Skittles candy, marking a significant change in response to growing health concerns and public pressure. The company confirmed the additive was phased out by the end of 2024, though some older batches may still be found on shelves while inventory clears.
Titanium dioxide, a chemical used to brighten and whiten foods, has come under increasing scrutiny for its potential health risks. While it remains legal in the United States, the European Union banned it in food products in 2022 due to evidence linking it to possible DNA damage and long-term health concerns.
The decision follows heightened attention from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) campaign has called for the removal of harmful additives from the American food supply. Titanium dioxide was one of several substances flagged by the initiative, which aims to bring U.S. standards more in line with those of other developed nations.
Consumer advocacy groups welcomed the move. Vani Hari, known as the “Food Babe,” praised the shift, pointing out that the ingredient has already been banned in Europe for years. She and other advocates have long argued that U.S. food regulations lag behind global health standards when it comes to consumer safety.
While the removal of titanium dioxide is a step forward, Skittles still contains petroleum-based synthetic dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1. These additives are also being reviewed under the MAHA Commission’s ongoing efforts to eliminate chemicals that may be linked to behavioral issues in children and other health effects. The goal is to phase out these dyes by the end of 2026.
Mars’ decision reflects a growing trend across the food industry, where manufacturers are being forced to respond to mounting public demand for cleaner, safer ingredients. With federal leadership now actively pushing for reform, consumers can expect more transparency and changes in their favorite products in the months and years to come.