Target: Grant Reid, President of Mars, Inc.
Goal: End the use of titanium dioxide as food additive in Skittles and other edible products.
They’re colorful like a rainbow, taste like a bowl of fruit, and are a staple in candy aisles and snack stockpiles across America. And according to a class action lawsuit, they’re also “unfit for human consumption.” The targeted treat in question is Skittles, which is under fire for its inclusion of a potential toxin in its list of ingredients…an assertion that has some backing in the scientific community.
Titanium dioxide is an agent found in many commonly used products, from paper to paint. It can enhance the color and brightness of an object and helps give Skittles their vibrant and appealing appearance. But the International Agency on Cancer Research has labeled titanium dioxide as possibly cancer-causing. In addition, the European Food Safety Authority has raised concerns that this substance can damage a person’s genes and has determined that it should not be utilized as a food additive.
Mars, the company behind Skittles, has long been aware of these worries, and the organization even pledged to phase out use of the agent six years ago. But the lawsuit alleges they have not held to this promise. Despite competitors successfully creating the same colorful effect without titanium dioxide, it still remains in Skittles.
Sign the petition below to demand the candy-making conglomerate safeguard its faithful consumers from this potential hazard.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Mr. Reid,
The European Union has banned it as a food additive and a global cancer research agency has labeled it a possible carcinogen. In 2016, this company even pledged to eventually cease its use. The Center for Food Safety has accused you of breaking your word, and now it has taken a class action lawsuit brought by multiple consumers for titanium dioxide to reach the public consciousness.
Instead of holding to your pledge, this company has only doubled down on defending its use of a potential serious health hazard that could contribute to cancer and genetic damage. You know that this agent is not truly essential, as your similar-looking candy M&Ms does not contain it. The welfare of millions of consumers (including countless children) should come before the lack of will to make a needed production change.
Your risk assessment is unacceptable. Fulfill your promise, put the minds of the public at ease, and cease the use of titanium dioxide immediately.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Piccolo Namek
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