Skittles, the infamous candy brand owned by Mars, announced last week its intent to remove titanium dioxide as an ingredient in its candy. Titanium dioxide is a chemical compound that is used as a color pigment that is primarily utilized to to add whiteness and/or brightness to products.

The problem with titanium dioxide is it is suspected of damaging DNA and this eventually leading to cancer. The EU banned the substance in 2022.

What we are seeing is the divide that is forming in the food industry and we will see the same in the pharmaceuticals industry. Some players will decide to play along and work to improve human health and others will want the old system, of influence buying if not outright bribery with little concern for human health if not outright malicious intent, to remain intact. 

When change happens, as MAHA is bringing, companies affected can either choose to change with the times and not fight consumer demands and a government that actually does its job once again in enforcing human healht concerns in food and drugs, or they can choose to fight the future. 

Steak N'Shake, the East Coast and Midwest brand of steakburgers and shakes, recently announced a return to using beef tallow to make their fries. To us, this is an example of looking to profit from that coming changes instead of fighting them. The oils used to fry fries at most fast food places is not good for human health and good 'ole beef tallow is considered a healthier (and tastier) option. Stean N'Shake's move created a parallel economy to challenge the status quo and they may benefit dramatically from this early move. 

Remember, McDonald's used to make its fries in beef tallow. The fries have never been as good since they changed this.