Report

Protesters are urging Kellogg’s to remove harmful additives from Froot Loops and Apple Jacks in the US, advocating for mothers everywhere.

On Tuesday, more than 1,000 cereal lovers and health advocates gathered at Kellogg’s headquarters in Michigan to demand the removal of these harmful additives from US-made Froot Loops and Apple Jacks. According to WLNS, a Michigan source for local news, demonstrators displayed handmade signs during the midday gathering, which included politicians, doctors, and nutritionists.

They brought over 400,000 signatures to the headquarters in Battle Creek, Michigan, asking the breakfast food giant to eliminate artificial dyes and preservatives linked to health problems and behavioural issues in children. Food blogger Vani Hari, who created the petition, said she wants to support mothers struggling to provide their children with natural, chemical-free food.

Unkept Promise

In 2015, WK Kellogg promised to remove artificial colours and ingredients from its products by the end of 2018. However, the company still uses Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Blue 1 dyes, along with the preservative BHT, in American cereals, focusing on short-term profits, as stated in a March shareholder letter. The petition notes that in 2024, Kellogg’s still sells many bowls of cereal containing artificial colours and flavours targeted at young children. Additionally, the company continues to release new cereals for kids, like Minecraft Frosted Flakes and Disney’s Little Mermaid Cereal, packed with synthetic additives.

Jason Karp, the founder of the healthy foods company HumanCo, claimed that Kellogg knows these synthetic additives can harm children. Karp pointed out that the EU requires food companies to label products with these ingredients, warning they might affect children’s activity and attention. Red 40 and Yellow 5, used in Froot Loops in the US, are completely banned in the UK. Japan does not allow Red 40, and Canada prohibits the BHT preservatives found in US fruity cereals. The California School Food Safety Act, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, is the first law in the US to ban six dyes commonly used in school meals, drinks, and snacks.

WK Kellogg claims that their products meet federal regulations and are safe. They emphasized that their top priority is the quality and safety of their food. The company stated that their products comply with all relevant laws and regulations, and they are committed to clearly labelling ingredients so consumers can make informed choices. On Tuesday, Kellogg announced that over 85 per cent of their cereal sales now do not contain artificial colours, adding, “We are constantly developing new cereals for our top brands that are free from artificial colours.”

Expert Analysis

Experts believe artificial ingredients in children’s breakfast foods may negatively affect some kids. Research from the Center for Science in the Public Interest shows that certain combinations of dyes can lead to hyperactivity and other behavioural issues in children. There are also concerns about organ damage, cancer, birth defects, and allergic reactions.

Source: New York Post