Kellogg’s becomes first company to sign legally binding agreement removing toxic dyes from cereals

Following extensive investigation and negotiations, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton revealed on Wednesday that WK Kellogg Co. “Kellogg’s” has agreed to permanently eliminate toxic dyes from its cereals.

In a groundbreaking legal accord, Paxton and Kellogg’s have signed an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance (AVC), confirming the company’s commitment to removing artificial food colorings from its cereals by the end of 2027. 

While other companies have verbally expressed intentions to remove food dyes, Kellogg’s is the first to formalize this commitment through a legally binding agreement, according to Paxton’s office.

“After months of investigation and negotiation, I am pleased to announce that Kellogg’s will cease the use of these unhealthy ingredients in its cereals,” Paxton stated.

“The signed AVC signifies Kellogg’s dedication to upholding this pledge, and I applaud the company for taking this step.”

Paxton has encouraged other food manufacturers to enter into similar agreements to demonstrate their commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles for Americans.

In February, Paxton’s office issued a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) to Kellogg’s, formally commencing an investigation in April after the company claimed it would remove petroleum-based food colorings in the US, but allegedly failed to do so.

Instead, Paxton’s office alleged that Kellogg’s removed toxic ingredients in Canada and Europe, while continuing to use various blue, red, and yellow dyes in American cereals.

Kellogg’s markets popular cereals like Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, Frosted Flakes, and Rice Krispies as “healthy,” as previously mentioned by Paxton. 

However, he highlighted that some variants contain petroleum-based artificial dyes associated with hyperactivity, obesity, autoimmune disorders, endocrine issues, and cancer.

“A crucial aspect of safeguarding our children’s future is ending companies’ deceptive practices that mislead parents and families about the healthfulness of food products,” Paxton emphasized in a statement. “Artificial food colorings have been proven to have detrimental effects on health, and foods containing these dyes should not be promoted as ‘healthy.’ 

“There will be consequences for any company, including Kellogg’s, that unlawfully misrepresents its food products and contributes to a flawed health system that compromises the well-being of Americans,” he concluded.