Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said on Wednesday he is investigating candy maker Mars over its continued use of synthetic food dyes in products such as M&M’s and Skittles.
Paxton issued a civil investigative demand for documents from the company, citing possible violations of consumer protection laws through deceptive trade practices. He said Mars failed to meet its 2016 pledge to remove all artificial colours from its food products.
While the company has removed some dyes in Europe, he said it has not done the same in the United States.
In a statement, Paxton urged Mars to follow companies like Nestlé and Hershey that are phasing out synthetic dyes. He said removing artificial dyes is the right step for consumer health.
Mars said it is working on alternative products that meet safety standards, technical needs, and customer preferences. The company said consumer attitudes toward dyes vary across regions and it expects to offer more products with natural colouring soon.
Paxton has also launched probes this year into food dyes in cereals and the marketing of toothpaste with fluoride to children. His efforts align with U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign to reduce ultraprocessed foods and synthetic additives.
Kennedy has linked food dyes to health issues such as ADHD and cancer, though scientists say more evidence is needed. Several major food companies, including General Mills, Kraft Heinz, PepsiCo, Hershey, and Nestlé, have committed to removing synthetic dyes by 2028 or earlier.
Paxton is currently preparing a campaign to challenge U.S. Senator John Cornyn in the 2026 Republican primary.
