Context:

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated an investigation into Mars Incorporated for allegedly deceptive practices related to the use of artificial dyes in their candies like M&Ms and Skittles. This action aligns with the 'Make America Healthy Again' initiative, aiming to hold large food companies accountable for misleading consumers about ingredients. Despite Mars' 2016 commitment to remove artificial colors from its products globally, they continue to use these dyes in the U.S., contrary to practices in Europe. Mars maintains that artificial colors are safe, but Paxton argues they pose health risks, including ADHD, autism, and cancer. The investigation seeks to enforce Mars' pledge to eliminate artificial dyes, reflecting a broader movement towards natural food ingredients in the U.S. market.

Dive Deeper:

• Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General, has launched an investigation into Mars Incorporated for allegedly using deceptive practices by including artificial dyes in their candies such as M&Ms and Skittles, despite a commitment to remove them.

• The investigation is part of a broader initiative, 'Make America Healthy Again,' which aims to hold food companies accountable for misleading consumers about the safety of food ingredients.

• Mars had promised in 2016 to eliminate artificial colors from its products to align with consumer preferences, but continues to use these dyes in the U.S., even though they have stopped using them in Europe.

• Mars argues that artificial colors pose no known health risks, but Paxton claims these dyes are linked to negative health outcomes, including ADHD, autism, and cancer, contradicting Mars' assertions.

• The investigation includes a Civil Investigative Demand for documents from Mars, pushing for the company to honor its 2016 pledge to remove artificial dyes, thus aligning with other major companies like Nestle and Hershey that have taken similar steps.

• The scrutiny of Mars comes after similar investigations into other food companies like General Mills and Kellogg’s, which resulted in commitments to remove artificial dyes from their products.

• The controversy highlights a growing trend and consumer demand in the U.S. for food products made with natural ingredients, emphasizing health and safety over artificial additives.