After extensive investigation and negotiation, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced Wednesday that WK Kellogg Co. “Kellogg’s” will permanently eliminate toxic dyes from its cereals.
In a landmark legal settlement, Paxton and Kellogg’s signed an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance (AVC), affirming the company’s commitment to eliminating artificial food colorings from its cereals by the end of 2027.
Although other companies have verbally agreed to remove food dyes, Kellogg’s is the first to officially sign a legally binding agreement guaranteeing the removal of these colorings, as noted by Paxton’s office.
“Following months of investigation and negotiation, I’m proud to officially announce Kellogg’s will cease incorporating these unhealthy ingredients in its cereals,” Paxton declared in a statement.
“The signed AVC demonstrates that Kellogg’s is committed to keeping this pledge, and I commend the company for doing the right thing.”
Paxton encouraged other food manufacturers to sign similar agreements to “demonstrate their commitment to helping Americans live healthier lives.”
In February, Paxton’s office issued a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) to Kellogg’s and formally launched an investigation in April after the company purported it would eliminate petroleum-based food colorings in the US, yet allegedly failed to do so.
Conversely, Paxton’s office alleged Kellogg’s removed toxic ingredients in Canada and Europe while still using various blue, red, and yellow dyes in American cereals.
Kellogg’s markets popular cereals such as Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, Frosted Flakes and Rice Krispies as “healthy,” Paxton previously said.
However, he noted that some varieties contain petroleum-based artificial dyes linked to hyperactivity, obesity, autoimmune disorders, endocrine issues and cancer.
“A critical part of fighting for our children’s future is putting an end to companies’ deceptive practices that are aimed at misleading parents and families about the health of food products,” Paxton wrote in a statement. “Artificial food colorings have been shown to have disastrous impacts on health, and in no world should foods that include these dyes be advertised as ‘healthy.’
“There will be accountability for any company, including Kellogg’s, that unlawfully makes misrepresentations about its food and contributes to a broken health system that has made Americans less healthy,” he added.
