Mars Wrigley North America has announced that it will remove synthetic dyes from several of its most popular candies, including M&Ms and Skittles, by next year. The move comes nearly a decade after the company first pledged to eliminate artificial colours, only to reverse course following consumer feedback.
The affected products will include M&M's Chocolate, Skittles Original, Extra Gum Spearmint, and Starburst Original fruit chews. The company stated that it is exploring alternatives that meet safety, technical, and consumer preference standards. The changes align with the Trump administration's "Make America Healthy Again" initiative, which targets the phase-out of eight artificial dyes by the end of 2025.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been a vocal critic of synthetic dyes, linking them to health risks in children. In April, he stated that these additives offer no nutritional benefit and pose dangers to children's development. The FDA, however, maintains that most children experience no adverse effects from consuming such colours.
Earlier this year, Mars removed titanium dioxide from Skittles. Other companies, including Kraft Heinz and General Mills, have also announced plans to eliminate artificial dyes from some products within two years. The FDA has approved three new natural colour additives to replace synthetic dyes.
