“Texas Attorney General Investigates Kellogg’s Over Misleading Health Claims in Cereals” | FoodBev Media

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is investigating the Kellogg Company for possibly breaking state consumer protection laws. The inquiry focuses on how Kellogg’s markets its cereals, like Froot Loops and Frosted Flakes, as nutritious options while some contain artificial colors that raise health concerns.

In his April 5, 2025, statement, Paxton highlighted that these artificial colorings, derived from petroleum, are linked to various health problems, including hyperactivity and obesity. He noted that Kellogg’s had previously claimed it would remove these ingredients from its U.S. products, a promise that hasn’t been fulfilled, even though they have taken similar action in Canada and Europe.

Paxton emphasized the importance of truth in advertising, especially when it comes to children’s health. “It’s unacceptable for products containing harmful dyes to be labeled as healthy,” he said. This sentiment reflects a growing public demand for clearer labeling and more natural ingredients in food.

The scrutiny on Kellogg’s comes amid broader movements against artificial additives in food. For instance, in January 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned the use of synthetic Red Dye No. 3 in food and drinks due to studies linking it to cancer risks in lab rats. Major food companies are now under increasing pressure to reformulate their products by January 2027 if they still use this colorant.

Recent actions show that regulators are taking these concerns seriously. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., called on food companies to eliminate artificial dyes by 2029 as part of his "Make America Healthy Again" initiative. In March, the state of West Virginia went a step further by passing a law that bans several synthetic additives and colorants associated with health risks.

Studies indicate that consumer attitudes are shifting. A recent survey found that nearly 70% of Americans are now more conscious about the ingredients in their food, with many demanding cleaner labels. This could explain why Kellogg’s and other food brands are facing heightened scrutiny.

As this investigation unfolds, Kellogg’s reputation could be significantly impacted. With consumers more aware of health issues related to food additives, companies that fail to align their practices with contemporary health standards might find themselves in hot water.

The conversation around food safety and labeling is becoming louder. As more people share their concerns on social media, it’s clear that the demand for transparency in food production is here to stay.

For more details about the implications of artificial additives in food, visit the FDA’s official website.

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