Class action lawsuit against Skittles alleges product “unfit for human consumption”

A class action lawsuit against Skittles’ parent company, Mars Inc., alleges the popular candy contains a "known toxin."

Titanium dioxide, a compound found in Skittles, is used to brighten products or give them a shinier finish. 

Bags of Skittle contain sweet, pea-sized candies with colorful, shiny coatings.

Though Food and Drug Administration maintains the additive is safe for use in food under certain limitations, Mars committed to phasing the compound out of their products in 2016.

However, the lawsuit alleges Mars continues to use the additive in Skittles. 

The compound is classified as a carcinogen and banned in several other countries. As of Aug. 7, The European Union is banning its use in food products. 

The complaint, initiated by a California consumer, alleges that Skittles "are not safe and pose a significant health risk to unsuspecting consumers."

Titanium Dioxide is found in more than 11,000 American food products, including popular brands like Chips Ahoy, Ring Pops and Beyond Meat. 

Mars earlier this year recalled certain Skittles, Starburst and Life Saver products due to potentially containing metal fragments.