More than 1,000 cereal lovers and health activists flocked to Kellogg Co.'s Michigan headquarters on Tuesday to protest the “harmful additives” injected into U.S. batches of the colorful breakfast staples Froot Loops and Apple Jack. I requested it to be cancelled.
More than 400,000 petitions are in the company's Battle Creek office asking the breakfast food giant to remove artificial colors and preservatives that have been linked to health and behavioral problems in some children. was delivered.
Protesters held handmade placards as politicians, doctors and nutritionists convened for a midday rally. According to WLNS.
“I'm here for all the mothers out there who are struggling to feed their children healthy food without added chemicals,” said food blogger and petition campaigner Vani Hari. spoke.
“In 2024, Kellogg's still sells several cereals in the United States with artificial colors and flavors, all targeted at young children,” the petition states. It is written. “To make matters worse, Kellogg's continues to release new cereals for children that are full of artificial ingredients, such as Minecraft's Frosted Flakes and Disney's Little Mermaid Cereal.
“These ingredients are not found in our food, especially our children's food.”
In 2015, WK Kellogg vowed to remove artificial colors and ingredients from its products by the end of 2018.
According to an explosive letter sent by one company, dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, and the chemical preservative BHT) were added to American cereals as part of the company's “pursuit of short-term profits.” It is said that it was added. March shareholder.
“Kellogg knows these artificial additives can harm children,” argued Jason Karp, an investor and founder of health food company HumanCo.
Artificial additives in breakfasts marketed to children are thought to be harmful to some children.
According to a study by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, “In addition to considering organ damage, cancer, birth defects, and allergic reactions, dye mixtures… cause hyperactivity and other behavioral problems in some children.” About.
“In response to this science, the EU has required food companies to place warning labels on products containing these ingredients that say they may have an adverse effect on children's activity and attention,” Karp said. wrote.
Red 40 and Yellow 5 are used to make Flute Loops in the United States, but not internationally. It is completely banned in the UK.
Japan has also banned the use of Red 40, and Canada has banned the use of BHT preservatives, which are also an ingredient in U.S. whole grain fruity cereals.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the California School Food Safety Act, the first bill in the nation to ban six types of dyes in meals, drinks and snacks served in school cafeterias.
WK Kellogg maintained that its products are safe and comply with federal regulations.
“Food quality and safety is our top priority. Our products and the raw materials we use to manufacture them comply with all applicable relevant laws and regulations, making it easy for consumers to purchase the food they buy. We remain committed to transparently displaying our ingredients so you can choose the ingredients you want.
“Currently, more than 85 percent of our cereal sales are free of artificial colors.” The company announced on Tuesday. “In fact, we are continually innovating new cereals that are free of artificial colors across our biggest brands, giving consumers a wide choice of nutritious foods. This is consistent with our commitment to catering to consumer preferences.”
with post wire
