Mars ingredients: what's banned overseas?

About Mars

Mars, Incorporated produces M&Ms, Skittles, Snickers, and Twix — some of the world's most popular candies. US versions of M&Ms use Blue 1, Blue 2, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 synthetic dyes. EU M&Ms use natural colorants. US Skittles have historically used titanium dioxide, which the EU banned as a food additive in 2022. Mars announced voluntary removal of titanium dioxide from US Skittles in 2022 following a lawsuit.

Common concerns with Mars products

{"ingredient_slug":"titanium-dioxide","ingredient_name":"Titanium Dioxide (E171)","found_in_product":"Skittles (US — historic use)","concern":"EU banned as food additive August 2022 (EFSA could not rule out genotoxicity). Mars facing US class action lawsuit over titanium dioxide use. Mars announced removal from US Skittles in 2022."}; {"ingredient_slug":"red-dye-40","ingredient_name":"Red 40","found_in_product":"M&Ms, Skittles (US)","concern":"EU/UK hyperactivity warning; part of FDA's April 2025 voluntary phase-out."}; {"ingredient_slug":"blue-dye-1","ingredient_name":"Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue)","found_in_product":"Blue M&Ms (US)","concern":"EU hyperactivity warning required. Not present in EU M&Ms formula."}; {"ingredient_slug":"blue-dye-2","ingredient_name":"Blue 2 (Indigo Carmine)","found_in_product":"Various US Mars products","concern":"EU requires warning label; restricted use in EU food products."}