A NEW lawsuit alleges that Skittles are unfit for human consumption due to a known toxin found in the popular candy.
Jenile Thames filed the lawsuit alleging the Mars, Incorporated candy contains “elevated levels” of titanium dioxide (TiO2), court documents reveal.
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While Mars, Inc, did not comment on the lawsuit, the company said: TODAY that the use of titanium dioxide “complies with FDA regulations”.
However, the lawsuit alleges that people who eat Skittles are “at increased risk for a host of health effects they were unaware of due to genotoxicity — a chemical’s ability to alter DNA.”
Thames’ lawsuit continues to claim that the company “has long known about the health problems caused” by titanium dioxide and even said years ago they would phase out the chemical ingredient.
It states that Mars, Inc. “committed” in 2016 to remove TiO2 from its product, but has yet to do so.
This is because the European Food Safety Authority has determined that titanium dioxide “cannot be considered safe for consumption,” TODAY reported.
This prompted countries like France to ban the toxin, prompting Mars, Inc. to respond and say they would comply with the new regulations, court papers say.
However, the company continues to use titanium dioxide in the US and has failed to “educate consumers about the implications of consuming the toxic,” the lawsuit said.
Thames concludes that he would not have consumed Skittles if it had been made clear that the product contained TiO2, but the label is difficult to read.
“Instead, Defendant relies on the ingredients list, which appears in tiny print on the back of the Products, and which is made even more difficult to read by the lack of color contrast between the font and packaging, as set forth below in a way consumers view the product. would normally view in the store,” the lawsuit said.
TODAY reported that Thames is seeking unspecified damages for fraud and violations of California’s consumer protection laws.
The US Sun has contacted Mars, Inc. regarding the matter, but they have not immediately responded for comment.