Removing additives without compromising quality.
Mars Chocolate and Ice Cream products
We know that artificial additives are of concern to consumers which is why, in 2006, Mars began a programme to remove them from our products.
We are working to achieve the removal of Southampton Colours* from our chocolate products by the end of 2009.
We do not use Southampton Colours* in any of our ice cream products.
Mars Food products
No artificial colours and flavourings or Southampton Colours* are used in any of our food products. No artificial preservatives are used in SEEDS OF CHANGE. A small number of our food products contain ingredients that have artificial preservatives in them.
Our work to remove artificial additives is continuing and we are actively reviewing the use of additives across our whole brand portfolio. If they are used, additives are clearly listed on the packs to inform consumers.
What is an additive?
Food additives are substances added intentionally to products to perform certain technological functions, for example to colour, to sweeten or to preserve.
To regulate these additives, and inform consumers, each additive is assigned a unique number. In Europe all approved additives are given an E number. These E numbers indicate that these additives have undergone strict European safety testing.
* Research from Southampton University on artificial colours, commissioned by the Food Standards Agency.