By Jesse Martin
Consumer class action lawsuit against the manufacturer alleges that a popular candy is toxic and “unfit for human consumption”
A consumer lawsuit against manufactures Mars alleges that the popular children’s candy, Skittles, are “unfit for human consumption” due to a “known toxin” within.
The class action lawsuit, filed in Oakland, California on Thursday, claims that Skittles contain “heightened levels” of titanium dioxide. Scheduled to be banned in the European Union next month due to “genotoxicity,” or the ability to alter DNA, titanium dioxide is considered a dangerous food additive.
Titanium Dioxide is used to give Skittles their signature rainbow color, although the company said in 2016 that they intended to remove it from the product in the coming years. However, as of today, Skittles still contain the toxin.
The toxic ingredient is also used in paints and plastics and consumption can cause brain and organ damage, as well as damage particularly to the kidneys and liver.