Lawsuit Filed Against Skittles Claiming They Are 'Unfit For Human Consumption'

By Samantha in Health and Fitness On 18th July 2022
advertisement

A recent lawsuit against Skittles alleges that these candies are unfit for human consumption. 

Apparently, these rainbow-colored fun candies contain titanium dioxide. 

At least that's what a lawsuit filed on Thursday 14 July in California, US takes issue with.

Alamy

Well, who doesn't love these rainbow-colored candies? Apparently, Jenile Thames, because the San Leandro resident is seeking a class-action suit against Mars Inc, which owns Skittles.

As per the lawsuit, the ingredients mean that those who consume the confectionary "are at heightened risk of a host of health effects for which they were unaware stemming from genotoxicity – the ability of a chemical substance to change DNA."

Alamy
advertisement
Follow On Google News

The substance to which Jenile is referring is titanium dioxide, which the company pledged to phase out in 2016.

But as per the new lawsuit, the company only implemented these changes because "consumers today are calling on food manufacturers to use more natural ingredients in their products."

Alamy
advertisement

Jenile's lawsuit claims that the company alleged that they use artificial colors in their product 'pose no known risks to human health or safety', as reported by The Guardian.

It adds: "In doing so, Defendant [Mars] concealed from consumers material information it knew."

The lawsuit goes on to suggest that the company continues to sell confectionery that contains titanium dioxide.

Alamy

 

 

Follow On Twitter

It even goes so far as to say that Mars Inc is "failing to inform consumers of the implications of consuming the toxin."

Jenile's lawsuit also takes issue with the company's use of packaging: "Instead, Defendant relies on the ingredient list which is provided in minuscule print on the back of the Products, the reading of which is made even more challenging by the lack of contrast in color between the font and packaging, as set out below in a manner in which consumers would normally view the product in the store."

Alamy

Those wondering the deal with titanium oxide should know that it is used in industrial products, like paint, plastics and roofing materials.

So it is obvious why one wouldn't want it to be in their food products, with research even suggesting that the human body is actually incapable of breaking down the nanoparticles in titanium dioxide.

This can lead to several health issues, including changes to DNA, inflammation, and cell necrosis.

As a result of these findings, the EU is planning to ban the use of titanium dioxide in food next month, as reported by Insider.

Alamy