30 Reasons to Never Put Another M&M In Your Mouth Again
 
   
 

 
Some of the Ingredients used to make M&M's have been outlawed by many European countries because of their outrageously harmful structure and relation to brain tumors, cancer, and other health problems.

Back in 1976, Red Dye #2 was banned from the use of food after being discovered to be carcinogenic. This was the key food color used to in M&M’s colorful snacks. But, when the dye was reintroduced into food products in 1983, M&M jumped right back into its use, much to the dismay of their consumers.

The company has ignored requests to switch to a safer alternative (considering many other options are available). They have also not responded to CSPI’s recommendation to include warning labels on all food products containing artificial coloring such as Red Dye #2.

It’s not just one ingredient, there are actually several ingredients found in M&M candies that would be better left out.

Soy Lecithin is commonly used in the food industry to prolong the shelf life of food products. It’s based on soybeans, that are 93% genetically modified.  Some companies, like Monsanto, use GMO technology to allow their crops to withstand a massive soaking of pesticides and other chemicals without dying off. Unfortunately, that means that we the consumer end up ingesting the remnants of these chemicals.

In addition, Soy has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, fertility, and reproductive problems, and possibly cognitive and behavioral issues. It’s much better to snack on organic ingredients, and fresh, whenever possible.

Artificial Colors
Apart from Red Dye #2, M&M’s contain:
Blue Dye #1: linked to malignant tumor growth in rat studies as well as low blood pressure problems, hives, asthma, and allergic reactions
Blue Dye #2: linked to tumor growth, abnormal cell development, and hyperactivity in children
Red Dye #40: linked to cancer, DNA damage, swelling around the mouth, hives, and hyperactivity
Yellow Dye #5: a common food allergy, as well as potential links to cancer and behavioral problems
Yellow Dye #6: linked to diarrhea, vomiting, migraines, allergic reactions, hyperactivity and cancer