Lilly W.

Research-Based Argument Essay

Can you believe that any candy that has cocoa in it probably came from a cocoa farm in Africa? Some African kids probably worked really hard so that they can either get money or because they are forced to work at these places without pay. Unfortunately, this goes on even though some people are trying to stop it. This is just one of the reasons why the Hershey and Mars candy company giants, need to change what they are doing and how they are doing it. After lots of research, this expert knows that this is a correct statement. According to “The Hidden Health Risks of Food Dyes,” it states, “Research has also associated food dyes with problems in children including allergies, hyperactivity, learning impairment, irritability, and aggressiveness.” Additionally, these companies have “seasonal or rare” items to make you buy them while you have the chance. As you can see, there are many reasons why the Hershey and Mars companies should change what they are doing and how they are doing it.

One reason the Hershey and Mars companies should make changes to what they do and how they do it is they have irresponsible manufacturing practices. For example, those manufacturing practices force some kids to drop out of school in Africa, just to work on a cocoa farm. You might be shocked to hear this cruel statement. Also, some kids are kidnapped or taken away from their families to be forced to work without pay. As you can see, those kids live a very hard life. In addition, they work in unsafe areas or conditions. Clearly, they are not just working hard, but have their safety on the line. In the article, “Despite Efforts, Child Labor Abuse Hasn’t Stopped on Cocoa Farms” it states, “[Cocoa] farmers seek cheap child labor. Government and news reports have described kids forced to drop out of school. Some have even been abducted and forced to work without pay.” Clearly, others agree that what is happening to kids isn’t right, and customers who buy chocolate with cocoa in it make other children suffer for that chocolate and for the buyer, which isn’t right or fair to them.

Another reason the Hershey and Mars companies should make changes to what they do and how they are doing it is the ingredients that they are including in these candies. For example, the candies that they produce have a high sugar content. You might be surprised to know that the candies that they produce have at least 19 grams of sugar; meanwhile, the suggested amount of sugar each day for a female is 25 grams and 35 for a male. Also, the food dyes that they put in these candies are very unhealthy. As you can see, these food dyes are not natural which means it is artificial coloring. In addition, from these ingredients, you are able to gain allergies, and they can possibly cause cancer, hyperactivity, and aggressiveness. Clearly, you don’t gain anything that could help you or anything that is healthy for you. Also, there is something in candies called theobromine. Theobromine is a chemical found in chocolate that could make people sick if too much is eaten. You might be surprised to know that the 1.2% that’s in there is actually poisonous to humans. According to the article “The Hidden Health Risks of Food Dyes”, it states, “Research has also associated food dyes with problems in children including allergies, hyperactivity, learning impairment, irritability, and aggressiveness.” Others may say that it tastes good and “brings happiness” to the eater, but this expert argues that there are unnatural, unhealthy ingredients that make it taste the way it does. As you can see, the ingredients are not what you would hope, which is why the Hershey and Mars companies should change what they are doing and how they are doing it.

The last reason I think that the Hershey and Mars companies should change what they are doing and how they are doing it is the marketing techniques that they use to get buyers to buy it. For example, they have misleading packaging and labels. Surprisingly, what they say on the packages is not always true. They could say “reduced fat” on the front so you automatically know not to check the back because it is “healthy” for you, but really they only reduced about one gram of fat. Furthermore, the company giants irresponsibly target higher grade elementary schoolers all the way to kids in college. Clearly, that is super irresponsible of them to target kids like that. Additionally, the “bite-sized” candy that they have is a big waste of packaging. Moreover, some companies have “seasonal or rare” candies. Right now, you might be thinking, “So what? Why does that matter?” Well, shockingly, that makes you feel like you have to buy those candies or you will never get the opportunity ever again. Maybe you would like to buy two or three just because they are “rare,” but meanwhile, you see them next season. In the article “Top Five Candy Industry Marketing Strategies for Halloween,” the text states, “… how do we end up spending such a large amount of money on candy each year? Marketing plays a big role in this, as Halloween has now become the 4th most popular holiday in the U.S.” While some might say the bite-sized candy is a fun idea and good for quick snacks, nevertheless it turns out that most of the bite-sized candy is sold in packages by itself (only 1 candy to a package). This means throwing away more plastic, which is now turning into an environment issue. Clearly, not only do experts agree that the marketing techniques are a big part in candy, but the companies  need to revise what they are doing because it is irresponsible. They are also doing bad things to our environment.  

Although critics may argue that there are benefits of the Hershey and Mars companies’ candy and desserts, there are still some cons to think about when unwrapping the candy. They are these irresponsible manufacturing practices, the candy ingredients, and their marketing techniques that irresponsibly target kids and young adults. This fifth grader knows now to always check the back (nutrition label) to see what kind of things I am consuming when I eat these sugar-filled candies. No one would have to worry about what is in what they eat if it was healthy food. I am not saying that you should only eat healthy foods from now on. Once in awhile, it is okay to have a candy or dessert. That is a good way to make sure that you are not consuming too much sugar or unnatural and unhealthy foods. One thing is for sure: if the Hershey and Mars companies changed what they are doing and how they are doing it, no one would have to worry about what they are eating, how it got to you (could’ve made other kids suffer for you), or what made you want to buy it.