Mars releases policy on scientific research and engagement

In a move to boost transparency amid an increasing need for research on health, sustainability and food safety, Mars, maker of M&M’s candy and Wrigley’s gum, made public its science policy, which declares that the company will not tie research funding to specific outcomes, and that support from third parties for scientific research and engagement activities will be declared.

The reasons behind the company’s decision to go public are explained in the policy document. “It’s vital that companies like ours have research policies in place that meet widely accepted scientific standards. We’ve had a science policy for many years, but this is the first time that we have published it. We hope that this step will help raise the bar for industry involvement in scientific research and will support an open and collaborative approach.”

As one of the world’s largest food companies, Mars emphasized the importance of taking responsibility “to help address some of the critical challenges shared by society in this area, such as food security, sustainable agriculture and global health. We believe that scientific research that spans sectors and disciplines will be key to successfully addressing these challenges.”

Press release
Mars science policy