Short Stuff: Skittles and TIO2
Dive into a sugary subject with a bit of a bittersweet aftertaste on the "Stuff You Should Know" podcast, where speakers Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark unwrap the controversy surrounding titanium dioxide in our snacks. The ingredient, known for its whitening properties in foods and personal care items, is scrutinized for potential health risks, with various research pointing towards the possibility of these nanoparticles accumulating in vital organs. While concrete evidence of harm remains elusive, some companies and legislations are erring on the side of caution by reducing or banning its use. Dunkin' Donuts and the European Union exemplify this shift, even as the debate continues.
The discussion takes a poignant turn when the hosts delve into children's favorites like Skittles, shining a light on the ethical and health implications of titanium dioxide's presence in these treats. Mars Inc. faces the spotlight not only for its use of the questioned substance but also for the unfulfilled promises of its elimination from their products. Look into the current legal confrontations, including a dismissed class action suit and ongoing litigation, which highlight the lag between consumer expectations, corporate declarations, and actual product reformulations. The episode unfolds the complexities and challenges faced in the candy aisle, where ingredients are not just a matter of taste but of public concern and accountability.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Mar 13, 2024 episode of the Stuff You Should Know
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1-Page Summary
Health risks of titanium dioxide
Titanium dioxide serves as a whitening agent in food and personal care items but has garnered criticism for possible health risks. Research suggests that its nanoparticles, often used because of their light-scattering properties, could accumulate in bodily organs leading to health concerns. The potential accumulation in the liver, kidneys, and even the bloodstream raises alarms, although no concrete evidence confirms these particles do travel to or gather in such organs. Despite the lack of definitive proof of harm to human health, some companies and countries are proactively eliminating or reducing its use in products. For example, Dunkin' Donuts no longer includes titanium dioxide in its powdered sugar toppings, and the European Union considers banning it.
Children's consumption of snacks with titanium dioxide like Skittles
Snacks popular with children, such as Skittles, contain nanoparticles of titanium dioxide. Experts like Bryant and Clark question its necessity, especially considering the greater vulnerability of children due to their small body size and potentially higher risk of substance accumulation. Mars Inc., the manufacturer behind Skittles, had pledged to remove titanium dioxide from its products, yet the ingredient continues to be used as of 2024, indicating a disparity between company commitments and current practices.
Legal action against food companies using titanium dioxide
Legal actions are underway targeting companies like Mars Incorporated for utilizing titanium dioxide in products. Although a class action lawsuit was dismissed in 2022, the potential for future litigation remains. Another lawsuit was filed in the summer of 2023, with its outcome still to be determined. Mars Inc.'s public commitment in 2016 to stop using titanium dioxide in candies has yet to fully materialize, as Skittles' ingredient list in 2024 still includes it. This situation reflects a broader issue within the industry where despite consumer pressure and legal challenges, and some companies' recognition of public concern, the phase-out of this contentious ingredient is slow or inconsistent.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Titanium dioxide nanoparticles have raised concerns due to their potential to accumulate in bodily organs like the liver, kidneys, and bloodstream, although definitive evidence of harm is lacking. Some studies suggest these nanoparticles could pose health risks, especially with their use in food and personal care products. Companies and countries are taking proactive measures to reduce or eliminate titanium dioxide in products due to these concerns.
- Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are concerning due to their potential to accumulate in organs like the liver, kidneys, and bloodstream. This accumulation raises health alarms, although concrete evidence of harm is lacking. The small size of nanoparticles allows them to potentially travel to and gather in these organs, leading to health risks.
- Legal actions against companies using titanium dioxide involve lawsuits targeting these companies for including the substance in their products. Despite some legal cases being dismissed, ongoing litigation indicates continued scrutiny. Companies like Mars Inc. have faced legal challenges for their use of titanium dioxide, with consumer pressure and public concern playing a role in these actions. The slow progress in phasing out titanium dioxide despite these legal challenges highlights the complexities in addressing public health and safety concerns related to this ingredient.
- Mars Inc. pledged to remove titanium dioxide from its products due to health concerns, especially regarding children's consumption. However, as of 2024, titanium dioxide is still used in products like Skittles, indicating a discrepancy between the company's commitment and current practices. This discrepancy raises questions about the implementation and timeline of Mars Inc.'s pledge to phase out titanium dioxide.
Counterarguments
- Titanium dioxide is approved for use by various regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which may indicate that it is considered safe for consumption at the levels used in food products.
- The presence of nanoparticles in the body does not necessarily equate to harm; more research may be needed to conclusively determine whether titanium dioxide nanoparticles pose a significant health risk.
- The decision by companies and countries to reduce or eliminate titanium dioxide could be driven by consumer perception and market demand rather than conclusive scientific evidence of harm.
- The European Union's consideration to ban titanium dioxide may be based on the precautionary principle rather than definitive proof of its harmful effects.
- Mars Inc.'s delay in removing titanium dioxide from its products could be due to technical challenges in finding suitable alternatives that provide the same product quality and characteristics.
- Legal actions against companies may not always reflect the scientific consensus but could be influenced by public perception, media narratives, or other factors unrelated to the actual risk posed by the ingredient.
- Dismissal of a class action lawsuit against Mars Inc. might suggest that the legal claims were not sufficiently supported by evidence.
- The slow phase-out of titanium dioxide in the industry could be indicative of the complexity involved in reformulating products without compromising their safety, stability, or consumer appeal.
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Health risks of titanium dioxide
Titanium dioxide, though approved for use in food products and personal care items, has raised concerns regarding its safety and potential health risks.
What titanium dioxide is and how it's used
As a whitening agent in foods and personal care products
Titanium dioxide is recognized for its exceptional light-reflective properties, making it an effective whitening agent. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates its use in food, ensuring that it does not exceed 1% of the food's weight. It is found in a variety of products, such as sunscreen, makeup, toothpaste, and is commonly used in the food industry. Notably, in these industries, it often appears in the form of nanoparticles that are prized for their ability to scatter light.
Questions around titanium dioxide safety
Potential to accumulate in organs and cause health issues
Despite its widespread use, there are growing concerns about the safety of titanium dioxide, particularly regarding the potential of these nanoparticles to accumulate in bodily organs and cause health issues. The Environmental Working Group reports the substance's presence in an array of children's sweets, heightening these worries. Studies have demonstrated that titanium dioxide can traverse the gut and enter parts of the body beyond the digestive tract. The conversation around titanium dioxide’s safety often highlights that, due to their minute size, nanoparticles might travel to various organs and potentially accumulate there.
Specifically, there is concern that nanoparticles can reach the bloodstream and accumulate in organs that play roles in filtration, such as the liver and kidneys. However, to date, no peer-reviewed evidence conclusively demonstrates that nanoparticles of titanium dioxide travel to, or accumulate in, these organs.
Lack of evidence proving harm in humans
Clark highlights the fact that only a very sm ...
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Health risks of titanium dioxide
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Titanium dioxide nanoparticles have raised concerns due to their potential to accumulate in organs like the liver and kidneys, although conclusive evidence of harm in humans is lacking. Some studies suggest these nanoparticles can travel beyond the gut and potentially accumulate in various organs, but definitive proof of harm is yet to be established. Despite ongoing research, there is no peer-reviewed evidence confirming that titanium dioxide nanoparticles cause harm by traveling to or accumulating in organs.
- Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are small particles that can potentially travel through the gut and reach various organs in the body. Concerns exist that these nanoparticles might accumulate in organs like the liver and kidneys, which are involved in filtering substances in the body. However, as of now, there is no definitive peer-reviewed evidence proving that titanium dioxide nanoparticles do accumulate in these organs or cause harm to humans. Some studies suggest the possibility of accumulation, but more research is needed to fully understand the extent of any potential health risks.
- The lack of conclusive evidence proving harm in humans regarding titanium dioxide nanoparticles means that there is no definitive scientific proof that these particles cause harm to human health. Despite concerns about their potential to accumulate in organs, studies have not conclusively shown harmful effects in humans. This lack of evidence has led to ongoing debates about the safety of titanium dioxide in food and personal care products. Precautionary measures, such as phasing out its use in some products, are being taken until more conclusive research can provide clarity on its safety.
- Some companies and countries are taking precautionary measures regarding titanium dioxide due to concerns about its potential health risks, even tho ...
Counterarguments
- The FDA's regulation of titanium dioxide at a maximum of 1% of a food product's weight is based on available scientific evidence, which may not fully account for long-term effects or the impact of chronic exposure.
- While titanium dioxide is found in many products, the risk associated with its use may vary depending on the form it takes (e.g., nanoparticles vs. larger particles) and the route of exposure (ingestion, inhalation, dermal contact).
- The concerns about the potential accumulation of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in organs need to be balanced with the understanding that the body has mechanisms to eliminate foreign substances, and not all nanoparticles behave the same way.
- Studies that show titanium dioxide nanoparticles can traverse the gut may not necessarily be indicative of a health risk, as the ability to pass through biological barriers does not automatically imply toxicity or harm.
- The lack of peer-reviewed evidence conclusively demonstrating accumulation in organs does not equate to evidence of safety; it may also reflect gaps in research or limitations in detection methods.
- The absence of definitive proof that titanium dioxide causes harm to humans does not mean it is safe; it may suggest that more research is needed to understand its health effects fully.
- Phasing out titanium dioxide based on precautionary principles may be premature if the s ...
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Children's consumption of snacks with titanium dioxide like Skittles
Skittles, a popular snack among children, currently still contains titanium dioxide in 2024. This is despite Mars Inc.'s earlier pledge to remove the ingredient from its products.
The titanium dioxide present in Skittles is in the form of nanoparticles, though its specific purpose in the candy, which is not white, is unclear. Bryant and Clark highlight the issue, questioning the necessity of titanium dioxide in snacks consumed by c ...
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Children's consumption of snacks with titanium dioxide like Skittles
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Titanium dioxide is a common food additive used as a whitening agent in various products, including candies like Skittles. In Skittles, titanium dioxide is in nanoparticle form, which raises concerns about its potential health impacts, especially for children who may be more vulnerable due to their smaller body size. The necessity of using titanium dioxide in a colorful candy like Skittles is questioned, as its specific purpose in this context is not clearly defined.
- Titanium dioxide in the form of nanoparticles, as found in Skittles, has raised concerns due to its potential negative health effects on children. The smaller body size of children may make them more susceptible to the accumulation of such substances, leading to possible health risks. The necessity of titanium dioxide in snacks meant for children is being questioned, especially considering the uncertainties surrounding its specific purpose in candies like Skittles. Bryant and Clark's discussion highlights the importance of considering the impact of such ingredients on children's health.
- Bryant and Clark question the necessity of titanium dioxide in snacks like Skittles, especially when consumed by children, due t ...
Counterarguments
- Mars Inc. may have encountered unforeseen technical or supply chain challenges that have delayed the removal of titanium dioxide from its products.
- The presence of titanium dioxide in Skittles could serve a regulatory-approved purpose, such as improving the texture or color stability of the candy, which has not been explicitly detailed in the text.
- The safety of titanium dioxide, especially in the small amounts used in food products, may have been deemed acceptable by food safety authorities after rigorous testing.
- Bryant and Clark's concerns, while valid, may not be supported by current scientific consensus if research has shown that the levels of titanium dioxide used in food are safe for children.
- The impact of titanium diox ...
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Legal action against food companies using titanium dioxide
Legal cases are mounting against food companies, like Mars Incorporated, for their use of titanium dioxide in products. Despite some consumer lawsuits being dismissed, the issue persists as the ingredient remains in use, even amidst company pledges to eliminate it.
Lawsuits by consumers
Dismissed or pending status
In July 2022, Mars Incorporated found itself at the center of a class action lawsuit when a man from California singled out Skittles for containing titanium dioxide, highlighting potential health risks. Unfortunately for the plaintiffs, this lawsuit was dismissed without prejudice in November 2022, leaving the door ajar for future litigation. More recently, in the summer of 2023, a woman in California also filed a lawsuit against the company, although its current status has not been clarified.
Company pledges to remove ingredient
But still used in some products
Despite growing legal pressures and consumer concerns, the presence of titanium dioxide in certain food products lingers on. Mars Inc. made a public commitment in 2016, stating an intention to phase out the use of titanium dioxide in their candies, including Skittles. However, as of 2024, Skittles continues to list tita ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Legal action against food companies using titanium dioxide
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Titanium dioxide is a common food additive used to make products look whiter and brighter. Concerns have been raised about its safety when consumed in large amounts, as it can potentially cause harm to the digestive system. The debate around titanium dioxide in food products revolves around balancing its aesthetic benefits with potential health risks. Companies are facing legal challenges and consumer scrutiny for using this ingredient despite pledges to phase it out.
- Class action lawsuits involve a group of people collectively suing a defendant, typically a company, for similar grievances. These lawsuits consolidate multiple individual claims into one case, streamlining legal proceedings. They are often used in consumer protection cases where many individuals have suffered similar harm. If successful, the outcome can result in compensation for all affected parties.
- In legal cases, a dismissal without prejudice means that the case is being dismissed, but it can be refiled in the future. This type of dismissal does not prevent the plaintiff from bringing the case back to court at a later time. It leaves the option open for the plaintiff to address any issues that led to the dismissal and potentially pursue the case again.
- When companies pledge to eliminate certain ingredients from their products, it means they publicly commit to removing those substances due to health or other concerns. However, the implementation of these pledges can be challenging, as it may involve reformulating recipes, sourcing alternative ingredients, and ensuring the same taste and quality are maintained. In some cases, companies may face difficulties in completely removing the ingredient, leading to delays or inconsistencies between their promises and the actual product composition. This process can be complex and may take t ...
Counterarguments
- The dismissal of the lawsuit against Mars Incorporated could indicate that the legal system found the claims regarding the health risks of titanium dioxide insufficiently substantiated.
- The continued use of titanium dioxide in products like Skittles might be due to the ingredient being approved for use by food safety authorities, suggesting it meets current safety standards.
- The delay in removing titanium dioxide from products could be attributed to the complexity of reformulating products without compromising quality, taste, or appearance.
- Mars Inc.'s commitment to phase out titanium dioxide might be ongoing, with the company possibly facing unforeseen challenges in sourcing suitable alternative ingredients.
- The comparison to Dunkin' Donuts' removal of titanium dioxide might not be entirely fair, as different products have different formulation ...
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