Texas Attorney General Investigates Mars, Inc. Over Alleged Consumer Protection Violations

Texas Attorney General Launches Investigation into Mars, Incorporated for Deceptive Trade Practices

Meta Description: Texas attorney General Ken Paxton is investigating Mars, Incorporated, maker of M&M’s and Skittles, for deceptive advertising and trade practices. Discover the details.

Published: March 15,2024

Texas A.G. targets Mars Brands

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated an investigation into Mars, Incorporated, the global giant behind beloved confectionery brands like M&M’s and Skittles. The probe centers on allegations of deceptive trade practices.

This move by the Attorney General’s office signals a heightened scrutiny of consumer-facing businesses, particularly those with widespread product recognition.

Is teh Texas Attorney GeneralS investigation primarily focused on the accuracy of Mars, Inc.’s ingredient lists and nutritional facts?

Investigation Details: What Consumers Need to Know

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched a formal investigation into Mars, Inc., the confectionery giant behind brands like M&M’s, Snickers, and Skittles. The probe centers around allegations of deceptive practices and potential consumer protection violations. The investigation, announced on July 15, 2025, specifically targets Mars’ marketing and advertising strategies, focusing on claims regarding product ingredients and nutritional information. This action follows similar scrutiny from other states and consumer advocacy groups.

Key allegations Against Mars, Inc.

The Texas Attorney General’s office is focusing on several key areas of concern:

Misleading Labeling: Allegations suggest that product labeling may not accurately reflect the ingredients used in Mars’ candies. This includes concerns about the sourcing and quality of ingredients, notably regarding artificial colors and flavors.

Deceptive Marketing: The investigation is examining whether mars, Inc. has engaged in deceptive marketing practices, perhaps exaggerating the benefits of its products or downplaying potential health risks.

Lack of Transparency: Concerns have been raised about the lack of transparency regarding Mars’ manufacturing processes and supply chain. Consumers are demanding greater insight into how their favourite candies are made.

Potential Health Concerns: While not the primary focus, the investigation acknowledges consumer concerns about the potential health effects of consuming products with artificial ingredients and high sugar content. This ties into broader discussions about food safety and product liability.

Recent lawsuits and Consumer Complaints

This investigation isn’t happening in a vacuum. several lawsuits have been filed against Mars, Inc. in recent months,alleging similar violations.

California lawsuit (February 2025): A class-action lawsuit in California alleged that Skittles candies contain titanium dioxide, a chemical banned in the EU due to potential health risks. Mars, Inc. disputed these claims but agreed to a settlement.

New York Attorney General Investigation (march 2025): The New York Attorney general’s office initiated a similar investigation into the presence of harmful chemicals in Mars’ candies.

Consumer Complaints: The Texas Attorney General’s office has received a surge in consumer complaints regarding Mars products, prompting the formal investigation. These complaints primarily relate to misleading labeling and concerns about ingredient quality. Consumer rights are at the forefront of this issue.

Impact on Consumers: What You Can Do

If you believe you have been affected by Mars, Inc.’s alleged deceptive practices, here are some steps you can take:

1. File a Complaint: submit a formal complaint to the Texas Attorney General’s office through their website (https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/).
2. Join a Class Action: Explore whether you are eligible to join any existing class-action lawsuits against mars, Inc.
3. review Product Labels: Carefully review product labels and ingredient lists before purchasing Mars candies.
4. Stay Informed: Follow updates on the investigation from reputable news sources and consumer advocacy groups.
5. Exercise your Rights: Understand your consumer protection laws and exercise your rights as a consumer.

Mars, Inc.’s Response

Mars, Inc. has released a statement acknowledging the investigation and stating its commitment to cooperating with the Texas attorney General’s office. The company maintains that its products are safe and comply with all applicable regulations. They emphasize their dedication to product quality and transparency. However, they have not directly addressed the specific allegations of misleading labeling or deceptive marketing.

the Broader Context: Food Industry Scrutiny

This investigation into Mars, Inc. is part of a larger trend of increased scrutiny of the food industry. Consumers are becoming more aware of the ingredients in their food and are demanding greater transparency from manufacturers. Regulatory agencies are also stepping up their enforcement efforts to protect consumers from deceptive practices.This includes increased focus on food labeling regulations and ingredient disclosure.

Potential Outcomes of the Investigation

The outcome of the Texas Attorney General’s investigation could have meaningful implications for Mars, Inc. and the broader confectionery industry. Potential outcomes include:

Financial penalties: Mars, Inc. could be fined for violating Texas consumer protection laws.

Corrective Advertising: The company may be required to run corrective advertising to address misleading claims.

Product Reformulation: Mars, inc. could be forced to reformulate its products to remove harmful ingredients or improve labeling accuracy.

Increased Regulatory Oversight: The investigation could lead to increased regulatory oversight of the confectionery industry.

settlement: A settlement agreement could be reached between Mars, Inc. and the Texas Attorney general’s office.

Resources for Consumers

*texas Attorney General’s Office