Kellogg’s misleading cereal health claims prompt legal investigation
Concerns have been raised about some cereals containing petroleum-based artificial food colorings.
USA – The advertising of WK Kellogg’s cereal products, including Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, Frosted Flakes, and Rice Krispies, as “healthy” options has prompted Ken Paxton, the Attorney General of Texas, to launch an investigation into the company for potential violations of the state’s consumer protection laws.
The Attorney General expressed worry over the links between these ingredients and health issues such as hyperactivity, obesity, autoimmune diseases, endocrine-related health problems, and cancer.
Paxton’s office stated that Kellogg’s falsely claimed it would remove these artificial colorants and the preservative BHT from its products in the U.S., despite having removed them in Canada and Europe.
“A critical part of fighting for our children’s future is putting an end to companies’ deceptive practices that mislead parents and families about the health of food products. Artificial food colorings have been shown to have disastrous impacts on health, and foods that contain these dyes should not be advertised as ‘healthy,'” Paxton said.
Increasing concern over the potential health impact of artificial additives, including food dyes, has led to a shift toward more natural ingredients and “cleaner” labels in recent years. Activity in this area has intensified in the U.S. since the beginning of the year.
In January, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of synthetic Red Dye No. 3 in foods, beverages, and ingested drugs following studies that linked the dye to cancer in male laboratory rats.
U.S. food manufacturers currently using Red 3 will be required to reformulate their products by January 15, 2027.
In March, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called on major food companies to eliminate artificial dyes from their products by the end of his term in 2029.
This initiative is part of his broader “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) agenda, which aims to tackle chronic health issues by reforming dietary practices.
Shortly after RFK’s statement, the state of West Virginia passed House Bill 2354, banning several synthetic food additives linked to health concerns, including the colorants Red Dye No. 40, Yellow Dye No. 5, and Blue Dye No. 1, along with artificial preservatives such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and propylparaben.
This legislation is effective immediately for most products sold in the state and will apply to school nutrition programs by August 1, 2025.
Paxton emphasized that any company, including Kellogg’s, that unlawfully misrepresents its food products and contributes to a broken health system, which has made Americans less healthy, will be held accountable.
Sign up to HERE receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
