M&M Mars a division of Mars, Incorporated High Street Hackettstown, New Jersey 07840 Telephone 908-852-1000 January 16, 1996 Mr. David Pleacher John Handley High School P.O. Box 910 Winchester, VA 22604-0910 Dear David: Thank you for your inquiry regarding "M&M's" Chocolate Candies. Our color blends were selected by conducting consumer preference tests, which indicate the assortment of colors that pleased the greatest number of people and created the most attractive overall effect. On average, the new mix of colors for "M&M's" Plain Chocolate Candies will contain 30% brown, 20% yellow, 20% red, 10% orange, 10% green and 10% blue. The "M&M's" Peanut Chocolate Candies ratio will be 20% brown, 20% yellow, 20% red, 20% blue, 10% green and 10% orange. "M&M's" Peanut Butter Chocolate Candies and "M&M's" Almond Chocolate Candies will contain 20% each of browns, reds, yellows, greens and blues. All colors are certified pure food colors approved by the FDA. Each large production batch is blended precisely to those ratios and mixed thoroughly. However, since the individual packages are filled weight on high-speed equipment, and not by count, it is possible occasionally have an unusual color distribution. Because of the difference in the sizes of the individual candies there is a variation of pieces per package. However, the package should be the indicated weight. Your interest is appreciated. We hope you will continue to enjoy M&M/MARS products and remain our valued consumer. Sincerely, Stephanie Greene Consumer Affairs SLG/bww 0508525A Enclosures