Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into Mars, the manufacturer of M&Ms and Skittles, for alleged deceptive practices related to the use of artificial dyes in its candies. The probe is tied to Paxton’s broader support for the Make America Healthy Again initiative, which seeks to hold large food companies accountable for misleading consumers about their ingredients. Paxton’s office asserts that Mars misrepresented the safety of artificial dyes, resulting in a demand for documentation as part of the investigation.
The investigation is part of Paxton’s efforts to align with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and President Donald Trump’s initiative to promote healthier eating by scrutinizing food companies. Paxton’s office claims that Mars continues to use artificial colors in the U.S., unlike in Europe, where the company has stopped their use. Mars previously committed to removing all artificial colors from its products in 2016, stating it was responsive to consumer demand.
Mars has stated that while they believe artificial colors pose no known risks to health, they continue to use them in some markets due to consumer preferences. The company has also noted that it will not remove all artificial colors from its U.S. products, instead focusing on removing them in Europe where consumer sentiment favors it. Paxton’s office disputes these claims, asserting that artificial dyes are linked to various health issues, including ADHD and cancer.
White House Senior Advisor Calley Means has criticized Mars for its stance on artificial colors, calling it ‘commonsense’ and noting that these are petroleum-based dyes with no nutritional value. This follows Paxton’s previous investigation into General Mills, which led the company to commit to removing artificial dyes from its products. Paxton has also targeted Kellogg’s for allegedly violating state consumer protection laws by claiming to have removed dyes in its foods.
Paxton’s actions are part of his campaign to unseat Senator John Cornyn. Meanwhile, his wife, Texas state Senator Angela Paxton, has recently filed for divorce on ‘biblical grounds.’ The investigation has drawn attention from Fox News, which has reached out to Mars for comment on the matter.