Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign to eliminate synthetic food dyes from the American food supply is facing stiff resistance from one of the country’s most iconic candy makers — Mars, the manufacturer of M&M’s and Skittles.
Mars released a statement earlier this week saying that it will continue using the synthetic dyes in its candies, reversing a pledge the company made in 2016 to remove artificial colors from all foods and snacks in its portfolio.
The company insisted to the New York Times that its products are “safe to enjoy and meet the high standards and applicable regulations set by food safety authorities around the world.”
While Mars has made incremental changes — such as eliminating titanium dioxide from Skittles — it continues to rely on artificial colorings, citing challenges with cost, limited availability of natural alternatives and consumer preferences for brightly colored treats.
The National Confectioners Association, which represents candy makers, has echoed Mars’ position.
“We follow and will continue to follow regulatory guidance from the authorities in this space,” spokesman Christopher Gindlesperger said.
He noted that alternatives to synthetic dyes are more expensive, harder to source, and could raise prices due to limited supply.
“Companies need time to find alternatives,” Gindlesperger said.
The Post has sought comment from Kennedy, Mars and the National Confectioners Association.
Several leading food manufacturers have recently committed to removing synthetic, petroleum-based food dyes from their products in response to mounting public health concerns and growing consumer demand for cleaner ingredients.
Among the companies that have voluntarily agreed to eliminate synthetic dyes from their portfolios by the end of 2027 are Kraft Heinz, General Mills, PepsiCo, Nestlé and ConAgra Brands.
Their decision follows advocacy efforts by health officials and organizations warning about potential links between artificial dyes and behavioral issues in children, as well as broader concerns over the safety of food additives.
In contrast, the candy industry has yet to fully embrace this movement.
While federal regulators have so far declined to crack down on artifical dyes, lawmakers at the state level have either introduced legislation or are considering proposals that would restrict or outright ban foods that contain synthetic coloring.
West Virginia has passed one of the most sweeping laws on synthetic food dyes, banning seven dyes and two preservatives from school meals starting Aug. 1 and from all foods sold statewide by Jan. 1, 2028.
California will prohibit Red Dye No. 3 and other additives in foods beginning Jan. 1, 2027, with a separate school ban on six synthetic dyes taking effect later that year.
Utah and Virginia have both enacted bans on multiple artificial dyes in foods sold or served in public schools. The Utah ban went into effect in March of last year while the Virginia ban will be effective July 1, 2027.
Texas has opted for mandatory warning labels — rather than outright bans — on foods containing over 40 additives, including synthetic dyes, starting Jan. 1, 2027.
