Skittles No Longer Uses Controversial Ingredient Eyed By RFK Jr.

Mars Inc.’s Skittles candies are no longer being made with a popular food additive called titanium dioxide.

The chemical, which whitens foods and brightens colors, was recently targeted in the MAHA Commission report, which was headed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Others in the MAHA movement have identified the ingredient as a “toxin.”

“The momentum is unreal,” MAHA influencer Vani Hari, aka “Food Babe,” wrote in a post online. “Mars Inc. Skittles dropping titanium dioxide in the U.S. Already banned in Europe due to DNA damage and cancer risk. Let’s go!!!!!”

“I just heard some amazing news,” Hari said in a video attached to the post. “Titanium dioxide is getting removed from Skittles. This is one less toxin in the ‘taste of rainbows.'”

The momentum is unreal. Mars inc Skittles dropping titanium dioxide in US. Already banned in Europe due to DNA damage and cancer risk. Let’s go!!!!!#FoodBabeArmy #MAHA pic.twitter.com/XX3b2g9BYZ

— Vani Hari (@thefoodbabe) May 27, 2025

A spokesperson for the candy confirmed to Bloomberg News on Tuesday that titanium dioxide was removed from all Skittles production at the end of last year.

In the MAHA report, the chemical was identified as a potentially concerning food additive, possibly having “carcinogenic effects.”

“Over 2,500 food additives — including emulsifiers, binders, sweeteners, colorings, and preservatives — may be used to mimic the taste and texture of conventional food and increase its shelf life,” the report highlighted. “Studies have linked certain food additives to increased risks of mental disorders, ADHD, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndromes and even carcinogenic effects.”

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“Titanium Dioxide, widely used in a range of candies and sauces, may cause cellular and DNA damage,” the report said.

As highlighted by The Daily Wire, Kennedy has already targeted food dyes, another controversial food additive.

RFK Jr. announced in April that he’s directing food manufacturers to phase out eight petroleum-based food dyes from candy, cereals, sports drinks, and other grocery staples by the end of 2026.

The dyes targeted include Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, Green No. 3, Red No. 3, and Orange B. Skittles candies still contain some of these dyes.

“Certain food colorings, such as red 40, which is present in widely-consumed products have been associated with behavioral issues in children, such as increased hyperactivity and symptoms consistent with ADHD,” the MAHA Commission report said of the additives. “Additionally, preliminary evidence suggests a possible association between the consumption of food colorings and autism, although further long-term research is necessary to establish a definitive link.”

Related: The Looming GOP Food Fight Over Pesticides