Protesters want Kellogg to remove artificial colors from Froot Loops, other cereals
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LOS ANGELES - Activists gathered outside WK Kellogg Co.’s headquarters in Michigan on Tuesday to urge the company to remove artificial dyes and preservatives from its popular breakfast cereals in the U.S., like Froot Loops and Apple Jacks.
Although the company pledged almost a decade ago to eliminate artificial ingredients by 2018, many products in the U.S. still contain additives like artificial colors and BHT, a chemical preservative. The same cereals in countries like Canada use natural coloring from fruit juices.
Why are food dyes controversial?
Artificial food dyes have long been a topic of concern due to their potential links to health risks, particularly in children. Research has suggested that certain dyes may contribute to behavioral issues, such as hyperactivity, raising alarms among parents and health experts alike.
In 2023, Peeps, the popular marshmallow treat most associated with Easter, announced it would no longer contain a chemical linked to cancer known as Red Dye No. 3. This dye is often used as food coloring in various products like Peeps, but it has been banned in the U.S. for decades in makeup and topical medicines after being linked to cancer.
Despite these bans, Red Dye No. 3 remains legal in foods, dietary supplements, and oral drugs, and is still found in popular items like candies and fruit cocktails, which continue to be sold across U.S. grocery stores.
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Consumer health advocates have been pushing the FDA to ban Red Dye No. 3 from food products for years, pointing to its links to cancer and other health risks. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), a nonprofit advocating for safer food, has been particularly vocal in these efforts.
In fact, a year before Peeps announced it would remove Red Dye No. 3, CSPI submitted a petition urging the FDA to ban its use in foods, dietary supplements, and oral medications. The FDA responded, stating it was still "actively reviewing" the petition and had extended the deadline for public comments due to "stakeholder requests."
"When we review a color additive petition requesting that the FDA revoke an authorization, we are reviewing the information submitted in the petition to determine whether it contains sufficient data to support a finding that the authorized use should be revoked. For more information about the petition process, see: Guidance for Industry: Questions and Answers About the Food Additive or Color Additive Petition Process. We will publish our response to the petition in the Federal Register once we have completed our review," the FDA spokesperson said.
Kellogg Co. Froot Loops brand breakfast cereal is arranged for a photograph in Tiskilwa, Illinois, U.S., on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017.
How does California's new law impact food dyes?
California recently became the first U.S. state to ban four dyes used in products like Froot Loops. The ban includes Red Dye No. 40, Yellow Dye No. 5, Yellow Dye No. 6, and Blue Dye No. 1. The law was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, putting additional pressure on food manufacturers to reformulate their products to meet state regulations.
These additives have been banned in countries across Europe for years. Newsom’s law also bans other chemicals found in sodas and baked goods. With California’s decision, companies like WK Kellogg may have to rethink their approach to artificial additives in U.S. products.
What does Kellogg say?
WK Kellogg Co. responded to the protests by stating that 85% of its U.S. cereals no longer contain artificial colors. They noted that different consumer preferences across markets have influenced their decision-making. While Canadian consumers have embraced cereals made with natural ingredients, Kellogg stated that U.S. consumer feedback hasn’t been as receptive to those changes.
Still, Kellogg continues to innovate and develop new cereals without artificial dyes, balancing consumer demand and regulatory changes.
The Source:
This article was sourced from Associated Press coverage of the rally at WK Kellogg Co. headquarters and additional details from a Fox Live Now article on food dye controversies. Further context was provided by official statements from Kellogg and California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recent legislation. Kelly Hayes contributed to this story.