Unbelievable facts
The “taste of the rainbow” could have an unpleasant side effect, according to a recent lawsuit filed in the US.
Jenile Thames has sued the owners of Mars, claiming that Skittles's famous candies are “dangerous to eat” because they contain a harmful chemical called dioxide titanium, and the company does not warn customers about the potential threat.
Titanium dioxide: harm and effects on the body
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a white dye used in industry: it is used in the production of cakes, chocolate, cosmetics, candles, toothpaste and paint.
Titanium dioxide has been used in the food industry for decades, but its harmful properties have recently been discovered.
In many countries, titanium dioxide as a dietary supplement will soon be banned, as a recent study has found that excess titanium dioxide in the body can lead to DNA damage that can cause cancer.
More than 6 years ago, Mars announced that it would stop using artificial colors, including titanium dioxide, in its products within 5 years, but now claims that the amount of titanium dioxide does not exceed normal.
Science has disagreed about the dangers of titanium dioxide in Skittles. Some scientists consider titanium dioxide safe, since after analyzing more than 1000 studies involving mice, it was not possible to come to a single conclusion.
Although most titanium dioxide passes through the body, small amounts can accumulate in the body and affect both mice and humans.
It is also worth noting that other Mars products do not contain titanium dioxide, but still have a bright color, which means that it is not a necessary additive for this product.
Skittles is not the only product that contains titanium dioxide, but with an alternative in the form of a safer product, it is better to opt for it.