Texas Attorney General Launches Investigation into Kellogg Over Controversial ‘Unhealthy’ Cereal Claims

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is looking into WK Kellogg Co for potentially misleading health claims about their cereals. He’s concerned that Kellogg markets some products as “healthy” while they contain artificial colors linked to health issues like obesity and autoimmune diseases.

In 2015, Kellogg promised to remove these artificial dyes from their U.S. products by 2018. However, it appears they’ve only done so for items sold in Canada and Europe, failing to follow through in the U.S. This inconsistency has raised eyebrows, especially as Paxton emphasizes the need to protect families from deceptive marketing tactics.

The pressure on food companies to clean up their offerings is mounting. Last year, Jason Karp, a Kellogg shareholder and CEO of HumanCo, voiced strong discontent about the company not removing food dyes from popular cereals like Froot Loops. His calls for accountability reflect a larger movement against artificial ingredients. In 2024, a group protested outside Kellogg’s Michigan headquarters, demanding changes.

Kellogg, for its part, claims that over 85% of its cereals now contain no artificial colors and insists all their ingredients comply with regulations.

There is growing momentum nationwide against artificial dyes. For instance, West Virginia recently passed a law restricting certain dyes in food products. Other states are following suit, pushing bills related to food additives. The Environmental Working Group has noted increasing legislative actions aimed at regulating harmful food chemicals.

In March 2025, the FDA also made headlines by banning Red No. 3, a dye that has been linked to cancer in animals. This underscores the broader concern about food safety.

Many food companies have pledged to eliminate artificial ingredients, but often they face challenges. Natural dyes don’t always offer the same visual appeal, leading to consumer reluctance. A shift in consumer preference is crucial for these changes to stick.

As the country becomes more health-conscious, the spotlight on companies’ ingredient choices will only intensify. Giving families reliable information about their food remains a top priority. By addressing misleading advertising, we can push for a healthier future for everyone.

For further insights on the evolving landscape of food safety and health regulations, check resources from the Environmental Working Group.

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