AUSTIN, Texas (KXXV) — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is investigating Mars, Incorporated for deceptive trade practices related to food products. The investigation focuses on alleged violations of Texas consumers’ rights.
There is a Mars Wrigley Confectionery located in Waco.
In 2016, Mars pledged to remove all artifiical colors from its human food products, but Paxton says the company has not done so for U.S. offerings. Evidence has linked artificial colors to health issues like ADHD, autism, and cancer.
“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. For the health of Texans and all Americans, Mars must fulfill its 2016 pledge to get rid of these toxic ingredients,” said Attorney General Paxton.
Below is also a statement shared with 25 News from a trade group that represents the candy industry:
“We are in firm agreement that science-based evaluation of food additives will help eliminate consumer confusion and rebuild trust in our national food safety system. We follow and will continue to follow regulatory guidance from the authorities in this space, because consumer safety is our chief responsibility and priority.
People in the U.S. enjoy chocolate and candy 2-3 times per week, averaging just 40 calories and about one teaspoon of added sugar per day – which is far less than the other categories of indulgent food that contain synthetic dyes.
Companies need time to find and incorporate viable alternatives to synthetic colors as there is a long reformulation process and significant costs associated with doing so. Right now, there is a lot of focus on food manufacturers, but the supply chain also has to adapt to accommodate higher demand for natural color alternatives. The companies that make natural colors simply don’t make enough to meet demand. You don’t have to be an economist to know that when supply is low and demand is high, prices skyrocket – and that’s what many anticipate will happen to these alternative ingredients without an adequate transition period.”
