Mars, the maker of M&M’s and Skittles, is resisting Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s demand to remove synthetic dyes from its candies. The company has pledged to continue using artificial colorings despite reversing a 2016 commitment to remove them from all foods.
In response to public health concerns and growing consumer demand for cleaner ingredients, several food manufacturers have committed to removing synthetic dyes from their products by the end of 2027. However, Mars claims that natural alternatives are too expensive, hard to source, and could raise prices due to limited supply.
Industry representatives, including the National Confectioners Association, argue that consumers understand that confectionery products contain added ingredients and know what they are getting. The association emphasizes science-based evaluation of food additives to eliminate consumer confusion and rebuild trust in the national food safety system.
Kennedy’s campaign to eliminate synthetic food dyes faces resistance from the candy industry, which has yet to fully embrace this movement. Some states have enacted bans or restrictions on artificial dyes, including West Virginia, California, Utah, Virginia, and Texas. However, it remains to be seen how Kennedy’s efforts will impact the use of synthetic dyes in foods nationwide.
Source: https://nypost.com/2025/07/08/business/mampms-skittles-resist-rfk-jrs-demand-to-remove-synthetic-dyes