Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton is investigating cereal giant Kellogg’s for potential violation of the state’s consumer protection laws.
The state claims many of the cereals Kellogg promotes as “healthy” may lead to obesity, cancer, attention difficulties and other issues.
Paxton points to products such as Kellogg’s Apple Jacks and Frosted Flakes, which contain petroleum-based artificial food colorings.
In a statement announcing the investigation, Paxton said some food additives are “linked to hyperactivity, obesity, autoimmune disease, endocrine-related health problems, and cancer in those who consume them.”
“There will be accountability for any company, including Kellogg, that unlawfully makes misrepresentations about its food and contributes to a broken health system that has made Americans less healthy,” the GOP attorney general said.
Kristina Baehr, founder of Just Well Law, echoed Paxton’s concerns.
“The state of Texas is asking, ‘Why did you promise your shareholders that you were going to take out the artificial colors and flavors, because of course you knew they were not safe, and then you reneged on that promise?” Baehr said.