Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched a probe into cereals giant General Mills over marketing its products as “healthy”.
The Attorney General’s office has issued a civil investigative demand, or CID, to General Mills, which sells cereals such as Trix and Lucky Charms.
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In its statement, Paxton’s office said the Minneapolis, Minnesota-headquartered company’s cereals are marketed as a “good source” of vitamins and minerals, despite containing petroleum-based food colourings linked to health issues such as hyperactivity disorders and obesity.
He said: “Under my watch, big food companies should be on high alert that they will be held accountable if they put toxic ingredients in our food and engage in false marketing.”
Paxton is also investigating WK Kellogg for similar alleged violations of Texas consumer protection laws.
In 2015, General Mills pledged to remove artificial dyes and did so from six of its cereals.
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By GlobalData“The company profited from the announcement and garnered significant media support,” Paxton’s office said.
However, it noted that just two years later, General Mills resumed the sale of cereals with artificial dyes in the US.
Despite acknowledging potential health risks, the office highlighted that General Mills has not included warnings for American consumers, while offering reformulated, dye-free cereals in other countries.
The Attorney General’s office argues that the company should offer the same products to Texans and all Americans.
The investigation follows the US Food and Drug Administration’s measures to phase out petroleum-based food dyes by the end of next year.
The FDA plans to remove authorisation for certain synthetic food colourings, including Citrus Red No. 2 and Orange B, and phase out six other synthetic dyes.
Paxton added: “I am proud to stand with the Trump Administration and Secretary Kennedy in taking on petroleum-based synthetic dyes and will always fight to protect the health of the American people.
“That includes working tirelessly to ensure that food products are not illegally and deceptively marketed by corporations, which is why I have launched this investigation into General Mills.”
Just Food has contacted General Mills for comment.
