Texas Launches Investigation into Kellogg Over Use of Food Dyes

• Texas Attorney General: Kellogg's "healthy" cereals contain food dyes

• The dyes in question, such as Red 40 and Yellow 5, are derived from petroleum

• Despite the concerns, these additives meet FDA regulatory standards

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is launching an investigation into cereal giant Kellogg for possible violations of the state's consumer protection laws.

The state alleges that several of Kellogg's cereals, marketed as “healthy,” could contribute to obesity, cancer, attention issues, and other health problems.

Paxton has specifically pointed to products like Kellogg’s Apple Jacks and Frosted Flakes, which contain artificial food colorings derived from petroleum.

In a statement regarding the investigation, Paxton emphasized that some food additives have been linked to hyperactivity, obesity, autoimmune diseases, endocrine-related issues, and even cancer.

“There will be accountability for any company, including Kellogg, that misleads consumers about its food products and contributes to a broken health system that has made Americans less healthy,” Paxton said.

Kristina Baehr, founder of Just Well Law, echoed Paxton’s concerns, questioning why Kellogg had previously promised to remove artificial colors and flavors for health reasons but failed to follow through.

This case is part of the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has also committed to addressing the issue of food dyes and additives in processed foods, including Kellogg’s Froot Loops.

Texas follows California in criticizing Kellogg for its use of artificial food dyes. California banned Froot Loops from schools due to concerns over these dyes.

Kellogg sells versions of its cereals in Canada and Europe that are free from certain ingredients.

In 2015, Kellogg announced it was working to eliminate artificial flavors and colors from its cereals by 2018. However, cereals like Froot Loops and Apple Jacks still contain artificial dyes such as Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, and Yellow 6, all derived from petroleum.

The debate remains divided on whether artificial food dyes and additives are linked to health problems. While some advocacy groups argue they are harmful, many of these ingredients are FDA-approved.

Kellogg’s ingredients, including food dyes, comply with FDA regulations.