Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation into Mars Inc. for deceptive and illegal practices.
In 2016, Mars announced the company would “remove all artificial colors from its human food portfolio globally, ” despite claims that “[a]rtificial colors pose no known risks to human health or safety.”
However, in 2021, Mars reversed course, stating it would no longer pursue a global removal of artificial dyes from its products. The company cited “consumer preferences” as the impetus for this policy change, noting the stringent preferences of European markets compared to U.S. markets.
Thus, Mars products sold in Europe, like Skittles, are markedly different from Skittles sold in the United States. For products marketed in Europe, Mars has removed all artificial colors.
The attorney general’s investigation centers on the adverse health risks associated with artificial colors.
“It’s clear that the movement to remove artificial colorings from our food supply is making incredible progress, and it’s time for Mars to follow the lead of other companies like Nestle and Hershey by removing synthetic dyes from its products,” said Paxton.
In response to scientific studies confirming that artificial dyes pose risks to human health and safety, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced in April of 2025 that it would work with the food industry to remove certain artificial dyes from the food supply by the end of next year.
Paxton expressed his commitment to advancing U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s agenda of making America healthy again.
Mars did not return Texas Scorecard‘s request for comment before publication.
