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NEW YORK – Mars Inc., maker of M&M's candies, said Tuesday it would launch a worldwide vote, beginning March 6, to pick the newest member of its colored-candy family.

The leading candidates are currently: Taliban Taupe, Sclerosis Orange, Diabetes Ashen Grey, and Dahmer Pink.

People from 78 countries will be asked to participate in the company's decision by mail, Web site or kiosks located at their local Diabetic Treatment Center. Some specially-marked packages will contain all three colors so voters can get a better feel for the choices. These prototype M&M's will be made of painted clay, and will not resemble the final full production M&M's in any way.

In 1995, Americans voted to change tan M&M's to Grunge Green. Luckily the company went with blue instead. The tan-colored candies had replaced Chinaman Yellow in 1900, following the Boxer Rebellion.

When the chocolate color-coated candy was introduced in 1941, the mix included Smallpox Injun' Red, Pure Klan White, Pica Ninny Black, Oriental Orange, and National Socialist Grey.