CINCINNATI (WKRC) - When it comes to candy, the taste is the treat. But those colors are crucial too. And the brighter, the better!
That’s why Skittles has that catchy slogan, “Taste the Rainbow.”
The ingredient that makes those colors so bright in Skittles and thousands of other candies and food products is titanium dioxide. If that sounds familiar, it’s because titanium dioxide is a key ingredient in many of our sunscreens, providing protection from the sun by bouncing away harmful rays. That reflective quality of titanium dioxide makes the colors in candy shine, too.
"UNSAFE" IN EUROPE
But this additive is now coming under serious scrutiny after dozens of scientific studies suggest titanium dioxide particles “have the induce DNA damage.”
That’s why the European Food Safety Authority, Europe’s version of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), ruled in May this year that titanium dioxide is “no longer considered safe when used as a food additive,” an important first step in removing it from candy and food products in European countries.
FDA NOT FOLLOWING EUROPE’S LEAD
While Europe is moving swiftly, based on the science, the FDA has done nothing to warn about titanium dioxide’s use or remove the additive in the United States. Scott Faber, Senior VP, Government Affairs at the Environmental Working Group (EWG), says the FDA is not doing its job.
“Unless you can prove it’s safe, it shouldn’t be in our food,” Faber said, during a recent interview in his backyard.
Within a week of EFSA’s "unsafe designation," EWG called on the FDA to consider banning titanium dioxide in all candy and food in America.
PROTECTING PETS, NOT HUMANS?
As Faber spoke to us in his backyard, his dog Martha walked in between us, commanding attention in more ways than usual.
In 2018, Petco announced it would no longer sell most pet foods that contain titanium dioxide and other artificial substances, and Faber was quick to point out that Martha is better protected against the additive than we are.
“It can still be used in our food, in Skittles, Starburst and other things that we feed our kids,” Faber said while petting his dog, adding, “But it can’t be used in what I give “Martha.”
Even with the “Martha” argument, Faber admits he and EWG have had no success convincing FDA to rethink its position about the safety of titanium dioxide.
Pohlman: So, you reached out to FDA?
Faber: We have.
Pohlman: They’re aware of your concerns?
Faber: Oh, yeah. Absolutely.
Pohlman: Have they done anything at FDA at all?
Faber: Not to my knowledge.
FDA: TOXIC EFFECTS ARE INCONCLUSIVE
Local 12 reached out to the FDA for comment. While the agency declined an on-camera interview, a spokesperson sent us an email, stating, “the FDA is currently reviewing the data and findings of EFSA’s report,” and that in its view, the “ evidence on toxic effects (of titanium dioxide) was inconclusive,” adding, “The FDA has approved titanium dioxide to color foods when it does not exceed 1 percent by weight of the food.”
FULL FDA STATEMENT:
"We are aware of the May 6, 2021 announcement by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) that they have reversed their 2016 safety affirmation and determined that they no longer consider titanium dioxide safe when used as a food additive. The FDA has approved titanium dioxide, which is used for its ability to brighten and whiten, to color foods when it does not exceed 1 percent by weight of the food (21 CFR 73.575).
EFSA’s decision is based on their finding from an updated review of relevant scientific data that evidence on toxic effects was inconclusive. To better understand the data and findings of the studies included in their review and determine what the implications may be for FDA’s safety assessment, the FDA is currently reviewing the data and findings of EFSA’s report."
MARS WRIGLEY WILL ELIMINATE THE ADDITIVE
While the FDA is not acting, Mars Wrigley, the maker of some of the top candies in the world, including Skittles, Starburst and M&Ms, told us it has decided to make a big change, sending us a simple statement that it was removing titanium dioxide from its products in the coming years.
FULL MARS WRIGLEY STATEMENT:
"At Mars Wrigley, consumer satisfaction is our top priority. We are continuously listening to our consumers and have committed to removing titanium dioxide from our global portfolio by the end of 2023.”
While Faber says he’s pleased that Mars Wrigley is doing the right thing, he remains disappointed that the FDA failed to act.
“We have a regulator. Their job is to make sure these chemicals are safe,” Faber said, adding, “They should do their job."