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CSPI: if Nestlé can do it, Mars can do it

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI): if Nestlé can do it, Mars can do it. Its pronouncement follows the former company’s decision to eliminate artificial food dyes, as well as artificial flavours, from all of its chocolate candies. Chemicals such as Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and other artificial […]

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI): if Nestlé can do it, Mars can do it. Its pronouncement follows the former company’s decision to eliminate artificial food dyes, as well as artificial flavours, from all of its chocolate candies. Chemicals such as Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and other artificial dyes promote hyperactivity and other behavioural problems in children, according to a number of published studies.

CSPI offered praise for Nestlé’s decision to phase out artificial dyes.

“Getting Red 40 and Yellow 5 out of Butterfinger bars won’t make them health foods, but Nestlé’s decision will help make the lives of affected children and their parents a little bit easier,” said CSPI executive director Michael F. Jacobson. “Mars should follow suit and similarly phase artificial dyes out of M&M’s and other candies. They’ve already done so in Europe, so there’s no excuse for the company to offer their American customers an inferior product.”

In the European Union, most dyed foods must bear a warning label stating that the food “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.” As a result, the majority of manufacturers have switched to safer, natural colourings in Europe.

In the United States, M&M’s contain Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Red 40. CSPI also said that Nestlé’s move would have been more impressive had the company not limited its new policy to chocolate candies. Products like Wonka Pixy Stix and Fruit Runts will still contain various combinations of Blue 1, Blue 2, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6.