Texas Prosecutor General has started an investigation on Kellogg’s for the use of dangerous artificial dyes in his cereals, accusing the company of deceiving consumers by claiming that its products are healthy
Texas Prosecutor General, Ken Paxton, started An investigation into Kellogg’s. The accusation is to continue using artificial dyes, not exactly harmless, in its products.
The investigation involves some of the best known cereals of Kellogg’s, including Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, Frosted Flakes and Rice Krispies, which contain artificial dyes derived from oil, considered harmful to health.
The accusations against Kellogg’s
In his announcement, Paxton shows himself worried that Kellogg’s products contain dyes that could contribute to a series of health problems, such as hyperactivity, obesity, autoimmune diseases, endocrine dysfunctions and even cancer. According to the prosecutor, this type of ingredients should not be used in advertised foods as healthy, in particular for children.
PAXTON said:
A fundamental aspect of the struggle for the future of our children is to put an end to the deceptive practices of companies that try to deceive parents and families on the health of food products.
The investigation aims to check if Kellogg’s has violated the state laws that protect consumers.
Artificial ingredients in Kellogg’s cereals
The question of artificial dyes is not new. In 2015, Kellogg’s had joined a consortium of food companies, including General Mills, committing himself to eliminating all artificial ingredients from his products by 2018. However, this change has never fully concretized.
In 2024, actress Eva Mendes led a protest against Kellogg’s, asking the company to respect her promise and remove these harmful ingredients from her cereals. The activist stressed that dozens of people gathered in front of the company headquarters in Michigan and over 400,000 people signed a petition asking for change. Despite all this, Kellogg’s has not yet taken significant measures to eliminate artificial dyes from its products.
Some of the most popular Kellogg’s cereals in fact contain synthetic dyes such as:
Studies have connected the use of artificial dyes such as Red 40 and Yellow 5 to behavioral disorders in children, including hyperactivity, and some states, such as California but also Europe, have prohibited its use. Although Food and Drug Administration (FDA) affirms that most children do not suffer negative effects from these additives, experts claim that there are no nutritional benefits in these ingredients and that their function is purely aesthetic.
Kellogg’s position
In a declaration issued in USA Today in October 2024, Kellogg’s reiterated that its products comply with all applicable laws and regulations. The company added that it undertakes to transparently label its ingredients, allowing consumers to make informed choices. However, he has not yet provided an official response to the new accusations formulated by the Texas Prosecutor General.
And in Italy?
In Italy, at least as regards these dyes, We must not worry:, neither in other products, since they have been prohibited throughout Europe. However, it is important to remember that, despite the absence of these substances, Kellogg’s cereals always remain foods rich in sugars and poor in nutrients, and therefore cannot be considered a healthy choice.