In early July, Mars, Incorporated halted its global paid advertising on major social media platforms to pressure them into taking effective steps against hate speech and misinformation. This move underscores the company's commitment to responsible business practices and a safer digital public sphere.

Analysis of Mars Inc's political contributions and lobbying spending as reported by OpenSecrets. The 2024 cycle data indicates $426,481 in contributions and approximately $2,000,000 in lobbying expenses, alongside revolving door practices among lobbyists. These activities raise concerns about the company’s potential influence on political processes and support for authoritarian agendas.

EU LobbyFacts data reveals that Mars, Incorporated held 14 documented meetings with EU officials between July 2024 and January 2025, raising concerns about the potential for undue corporate influence on public policy and democratic processes.

A letter dated November 18, 2024 from U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal details concerns about Mars Petcare’s decades-long acquisition strategy. The letter argues that aggressive consolidation in the veterinary care industry has led to poorer quality care, worsening working conditions for veterinary staff through enforced noncompete agreements and production quotas, and market domination that drives up prices for pet owners.

The OpenSecrets profile for Mars Inc highlights the company's sustained lobbying activities, which raise concerns about its influence on democratic processes and potential complicity in reinforcing corporate power within politics.

Mars Incorporated faces legal scrutiny over allegations of child labor in its cocoa supply chain. A class action lawsuit alleges that children as young as five are involved in cocoa harvesting in Ghana, raising severe concerns over labor practices and ethical sourcing in the confectionery industry.

CBS News report reveals allegations of child labor, with children as young as 5 working in Ghanaian cocoa farms supplying Mars, highlighting potential systemic failures in labor rights and supply chain oversight despite company promises.

Mars, Incorporated is facing serious allegations over the use of child labor in its cocoa supply chain. Reports indicate that children in Ghana have been involved in cocoa harvesting for products like M&M's and Snickers, raising urgent concerns over labor relations and supply chain ethics.

Mars Inc. is under investigation by Russian authorities over alleged funding related to Ukraine while continuing profitable operations in Russia. The company's allocation of $13.5 million for humanitarian aid in Ukraine is shadowed by its sustained economic engagement in an authoritarian regime and emerging tax discrepancy concerns.

Amid a probe by Russian authorities alleging Mars Inc. funded the Ukrainian military, the company has suspended its investments in Russia, a move viewed as supporting democratic resistance against authoritarian aggression.

Russian authorities are investigating Mars, Inc. on suspicion of channeling funds that may have supported the Ukrainian military. However, Mars stated that the $25.5 million donation was intended for humanitarian aid to feed, shelter, and rehabilitate Ukrainians and their pets. This event raises questions about political funding and transparent business practices amid politically charged investigations.

Mars, Incorporated outlines its transparent public policy regarding political contributions and lobbying activities. The company emphasizes that it does not use corporate funds for direct political contributions to candidates, parties, or electioneering communications, and it openly discloses its lobbying expenditures in compliance with legal requirements. This approach, while still engaging in lobbying, demonstrates a commitment to ethical political behavior and transparency, which is viewed relatively positively from an anti‑fascist perspective.