Dear Mars Inc.,

I love your candies, and so do my children. Unfortunately, I found out 2 years ago that I have a sensitivity to Red  Dye #40. If I consume too much I break out in hives. As a result, I have drastically cut my consumption of m&m’s, Skittles, and Starburst and I’m reluctant to allow my children to consume them because chemical sensitivities can be hereditary. I have heard other parents discuss their children having sensitivities to artificial dyes as well, especially those children who are prone to hyperactivity. I have seen other food products dyed brilliant colors with fruit & vegetable juices, so I know it’s possible to have lovely colors without artificial dyes. I would like to see all food and candy companies switch to natural colors. As one of the largest candy producers in the world, you could lead the way in this initiative and other companies would follow. You would also gain customers as you could promote this positive change and people who had to avoid your candies because of artificial colors in the past would now be able to enjoy them again. Please consider switching to natural colors for your candies, for the health of your customers, especially children. 

Thank you,

Diana Crump, Sanford, Florida, U.S.A.