Texas' attorney general said on Wednesday he has begun investigating Mars, which makes M&M's and Skittles candies, for its alleged refusal to remove synthetic food dyes from its products.

The FDA just approved Gardenia (genipin) blue, a natural food dye, for certain foods and drinks. They’re also trying to expedite the ban of Red No. 3 before the January 15, 2027, deadline. Some grocers have already pledged not to sell foods with petroleum-based synthetic food dyes.

The FDA approved the fourth natural food color additive this year, but how can you avoid the artificial dyes still out there?

(NEXSTAR) — Dozens of companies that make ice cream and frozen dairy desserts announced on Monday that they would remove artificial food dyes from their products by 2028, marking yet another voluntary move away from such food coloring within the food industry.

National Confectioners Association questions focus on synthetic dyes as MARS reverses its 2016 commitment, despite other companies joining Kennedy's initiative

In addition to finding these dyes in brightly colored processed foods, the researchers also found them in more muted foods like blueberry bagels, taco shells, carbonated drinks, and hot dog buns. Overall, they were present in about 1 out of every 5 foods and beverages.

In a comprehensive new study assessing a massive 39,763 US packaged foods and drinks from the biggest 25 companies in the country, scientists found that almost 20% rely on synthetic food dyes to appeal to both children and adult consumers.

A new study finds synthetic dyes in one of 5 US foods, raising health concerns, especially for kids, as major brands begin phasing them out.