MARCH 10, 2015
Dunkin' Donuts is dropping titanium dioxide from its
powdered sugar donuts after pressure from a public interest group who argued it
is not safe for human consumption.
Titanium dioxide is used to make the powdered sugar appear
brighter. It is also used in sunscreen and paints.
The group As You Sow argues titanium dioxide that
can cause DNA and chromosomal damage when consumed. The decision by Dunkin'
Donuts (DNKN) was recently disclosed by the
advocacy group.
"This is a groundbreaking decision," said Danielle
Fugere, president and chief counsel of the group. "Dunkin' has
demonstrated strong industry leadership by removing this potentially harmful
ingredient from its donuts."
The group claims that titanium dioxide is a nanomaterial,
which is not regulated or prohibited by the Food and Drug Administration. But
As You Sow argues that there is not enough information on their effects on
humans.
"Asbestos, also a nanomaterial, was used before its
harms were fully understood, leading to a costly health crisis," the group
said.
Dunkin' Donuts claims that titanium dioxide "does not
meet the definition of 'nanomaterial' as outlined under FDA guidance." But
it said nonetheless it is making the change to remove the chemical from its
donuts.
As We Sow has been introducing shareholder proposals at
companies calling for the removal of titanium dioxide from various products.
Such a resolution was supported by about 19% of Dunkin' Brands' shareholders
last year.
The group released a letter sent by a Dunkin executive
saying it has reformulated the powered sugar and was working on a schedule to
roll out the new recipe.
It led As We Sow to drop a similar shareholder resolution
from the company's upcoming proxy.