What Colors Would The Next Batch Of M&Ms Be?

Mars Inc. just announced a mind boggling update in terms of their products. The gigantic chocolate factory announced that they will be changing some of the ingredients being used on most of their candies. Chocolate lovers are a bit concerned that the change will affect the taste on some of their favorite products, most especially the M&M's.

According to the company's official press release Mars Inc. will eliminate the artificial ingredients of their chocolates such as the food dyes used for M&M's colorful shells. Though the company decided to eliminate some of the ingredients, they did admit that it would not be easy to do so. one of their concerns was the fact that eliminating some of M&M's key ingredients can potentially affect the taste.

"Replacing artificial colors across all our products is a complex task. We expect it will take about five years to develop the full range of alternatives that guarantee the integrity and great taste of the products you know and love, and to go through the process of obtaining regulatory approval for all new ingredients in development."

The decision to eliminate the artificial ingredients on the company's products was fuel by a petition wherein Mars was asked to make M&M's without the artificial food dye as it contains harmful substances such as petroleum which triggers hyperactivity among "sensitive children."

The petition was able to gather 217,000 signatures as the public united in making a stand when it comes to healthy food choices. Artificial food dyes consist both human and animal carcinogens, according to Your News Wire.

"For example, one carcinogen called benzidene is found in red 40, yellow 5, and yellow 6, and although it is regulated, the FDA's tests may be underestimating our exposure to this toxic compound. Caramel colorings, containing 2- and 4-methylimidazoles induce cancer in animals, as well," Your News Wire said. "Tartrazine, a yellow "azo" dye (found in yellow 5) is genotoxic, meaning it binds to DNA and causes damage."