## Kellogg’s Under Fire: Consumers Demand Removal of Artificial Dyes from Cereal
Kellogg’s, a household name synonymous with breakfast cereal, is facing a wave of public criticism. Hundreds of consumers are calling for the company to finally fulfill a promise made nearly a decade ago – to eliminate artificial dyes from its popular cereals, particularly favorites among children like Froot Loops and Apple Jacks. This push for change culminated in a protest outside Kellogg’s Michigan headquarters on Tuesday, where activists, parents, and concerned consumers rallied for a ban on artificial ingredients.
The protest highlights a growing public concern over the use of artificial dyes in food, particularly in products marketed to children. Activists argue that while Kellogg’s has discontinued artificial colors in cereals sold in countries like Australia, Europe, and Canada, its US products still contain a range of synthetic dyes and preservatives, including butylated hydroxytolune (BHT). This inconsistency raises questions about the safety and ethics of Kellogg’s practices.
What are Consumers Saying?
Food blogger and activist Vani Hari, known as the “Food Babe,” summed up the sentiment of many protesters: “All of the cereals that they have targeting children have these artificial food dyes, but they don’t do this in other countries. It’s un-American, it’s unethical, it’s immoral.” Hari, along with hundreds of other protesters, delivered petitions to Kellogg’s headquarters, containing over 400,000 signatures demanding change.
Celebrity actress Eva Mendes, echoing the concerns of many, voiced her disappointment on Instagram: “I grew up on cereal. I still love it but I won’t eat @kelloggsus anymore after I found out that so many of the ingredients they use here in the US are BANNED in other countries. Why? Because they’re harmful for children.”
Kellogg’s Defends its Stance
In response to the growing public pressure, Kellogg’s has maintained that its products are safe, emphasizing that all ingredients meet US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. A company spokesperson stated, “The quality and safety of our foods is our top priority. Our products—and the ingredients we use to make them—are compliant with all applicable relevant laws and regulations, and we remain committed to transparently labeling our ingredients so consumers can easily make choices about the food they purchase.”
The Controversy: Artificial Dyes and Their Potential Health Risks
The debate surrounding artificial dyes focuses on their potential health implications. Jamie Alan, PhD, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University, explains that these dyes, derived from non-food sources, like petroleum, are distinct from natural food colorings. The dyes commonly used in Kellogg’s cereals include Red Dye No. 40, Yellow Dye No. 5, Yellow Dye No. 6, and Blue Dye No. 1, all of which are banned in California schools due to their potential health risks.
While the FDA maintains that most children experience no adverse effects from consuming these dyes, critics point out that the agency’s standards have not been comprehensively updated in decades. A 2021 study published by researchers at the University of Berkeley and the University of Davis linked exposure to these food dyes to hyperactivity and neurobehavioral problems in children. Additionally, a study in Environmental Health Perspectives suggests that Yellow Dye No.6 (Sunset Yellow) and other common dyes could trigger allergic reactions, particularly among asthmatics.
A Call for Transparency and Accountability
The pressure on Kellogg’s is mounting as consumers demand greater transparency and accountability from food manufacturers. This controversy shines a light on the ongoing debate surrounding the safety of artificial food additives and underscores the importance of informed choices when it comes to our diet, especially for children.