M&M’s, a popular U.S. chocolate candy, is dealing with a change in its iconic colors. The company is temporarily removing two of its colors — blue and brown — as part of its transition from artificial to natural food dyes. This move comes after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. raised concerns about the use of artificial dyes in food products.

Natural Dye Transition

Last year, M&M’s parent company Mars promised to offer options for some of its treats without artificial dyes, planning instead to color the foods with dyes derived from natural sources. The FDA has an ‘understanding’ with food companies regarding the use of artificial dyes, but it’s unclear how enforcement works. Some research suggests that certain children may be sensitive to artificial dyes, and the FDA is continuing to monitor emerging research on the subject.

Mars will introduce four options made without synthetic colors and make them available nationwide online. The company is having trouble re-creating the vibrant blue color using natural dyes, which has led to the temporary removal of the blue and brown shades. The company aims to offer its naturally colored M&M’s in all six colors by 2028.

Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.