Francesca Biagioli The Texas attorney general has launched an investigation into Kellogg's for using dangerous artificial colors in its cereals, accusing the company of deceiving consumers by claiming its products are healthy.
The Attorney General of Texas, Ken Paxton, has launched an investigation into Kellogg’s. The accusation is that the company continues to use artificial dyes, which are not exactly harmless, in its products.
The investigation involves some of Kellogg’s most popular cereals, including Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, Frosted Flakes, and Rice Krispies, which contain artificial dyes derived from petroleum and are considered harmful to health.
The charges against Kellogg’s
In his announcement, Paxton expressed concern that Kellogg’s products contain dyes that could contribute to a range of health issues, including hyperactivity, obesity, autoimmune diseases, endocrine dysfunctions, and even cancer. According to the attorney general, such ingredients should not be used in foods marketed as healthy, especially those aimed at children.
Paxton stated:
“A key aspect of the fight for our children’s future is ending the deceptive practices of companies that seek to mislead parents and families about the healthiness of their food products.”
The investigation aims to determine whether Kellogg’s has violated state laws that protect consumers.
Artificial ingredients in kellogg’s cereals
The issue of artificial dyes is not new. In 2015, Kellogg’s joined a consortium of food companies, including General Mills, committing to remove all artificial ingredients from its products by 2018. However, this change has not fully materialized.
In 2024, actress Eva Mendes led a protest against Kellogg’s, urging the company to honor its promise and remove these harmful ingredients from its cereals. The activist highlighted that dozens of people gathered outside the company’s headquarters in Michigan, and over 400,000 people signed a petition demanding change. Despite all this, Kellogg’s has yet to take significant steps to eliminate artificial dyes from its products.
Some of Kellogg’s most popular cereals contain synthetic dyes such as:
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Red 40 (also known as Allura Red AC)
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Yellow 5 (also known as Tartrazine)
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Blue 1 (also known as Brilliant Blue FCF)
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Yellow 6 (also known as Sunset Yellow FCF)
Studies have linked the use of artificial dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5 to behavioral disorders in children, including hyperactivity, and some states, such as California, as well as Europe, have banned their use. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) claims that most children do not experience negative effects from these additives, experts argue that there are no nutritional benefits to these ingredients and that their sole purpose is aesthetic.
Kellogg’s stance
In a statement to USA TODAY in October 2024, Kellogg’s reiterated that its products comply with all applicable laws and regulations. The company added that it is committed to transparent labeling of its ingredients, allowing consumers to make informed choices. However, it has not yet provided an official response to the new charges brought by the Attorney General of Texas.
