They same like harmless fun.  Skittles has been recommending that we "taste the rainbow" since 1994. Even before that, skittles were born nearly 50 years ago. The general consensus is that the candies were first made commercially by a British company in 1974.

Today, Skittles are enjoyed in 65 countries around the world. They are the second most popular candy in the United States and most popular with children in North America. Today along with the original skittles flavors, there are many other varieties including Tropical, Wild Berry and Smoothie Mix.

Get our free mobile app

But if you believe a lawsuit just filed in California, Skittles has a horrible secret.

The ingredient that gives Skittles their bright vivid colors is called titanium dioxide. According to a lawsuit filed last week against Mars candy company, Titanium dioxide or TiO2 is an active ingredient in the candy in the U.S, although it has been banned in several European countries.

attachment-karsten-winegeart-EI-iNlUGfzI-unsplash
loading...

TiO2 was approved as a food color by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1966 and is used in a variety of foods including sandwich spreads and salad dressings.  The FDA says it's safe if it does not exceed 1% by weight of the food that its in.

The European Food Safety Authority disagrees.  They say they cannot "establish a safe level for daily intake of TiO2.

As much as I love Skittles, I would think that if they were harmful in some way, my lips or tongue would have fallen off a long time ago. The lawsuit says there are a number of colorings and additives Mars Candies could use to keep the rainbow alive.  So far, they have shown no desire to do so.

Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash
Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash
loading...

In the meantime, I'll continue to tap dance with diabetes by consuming Skittles. .  I mean anyone can sue anyone for any reason right.  I guess the best thing for all of us is to take a wait and see approach.  The only problem with that approach, is that by the time we see, it might be too late.

Gallery — Every Movie Theater Candy, Ranked:

 

More From 96.5 KNRX