Protesters Demand Kellogg Remove Artificial Dyes from U.S. Cereals

Dozens Rally in Michigan for Healthier Ingredients

A determined crowd gathered outside the Michigan headquarters of WK Kellogg Co. on Tuesday, demanding the company remove artificial dyes from its popular breakfast cereals sold in the U.S. The protest highlights frustration over Kellogg’s failure to fully honor a decade-old pledge to eliminate artificial colors and ingredients by 2018.

A Decade-Old Commitment Still Unfulfilled

Kellogg, known for cereals like Froot Loops and Apple Jacks, initially announced plans to remove artificial colors across all its product lines. While the company has achieved this goal in countries like Canada—where natural ingredients such as carrot, watermelon, and blueberry juices color Froot Loops—the U.S. market continues to sell cereals with artificial dyes and BHT, a chemical preservative.

Activists Deliver Petitions with 400,000 Signatures

On Tuesday, protesters delivered petitions with over 400,000 signatures, urging Kellogg to remove artificial dyes and BHT from its U.S. products. Activists argued that these additives could contribute to behavioral issues in children.

“I’m here for all the mothers who struggle to feed their kids healthy food without added chemicals,” said Vani Hari, a prominent food activist who previously led efforts to remove artificial dyes from Kraft Heinz’s macaroni and cheese.

FDA and Kellogg’s Response

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reviewed the impact of artificial dyes on children’s behavior and maintains that most children do not experience adverse effects from consuming them.

In response to the protest, WK Kellogg, now separate from its former snack division Kellanova, assured consumers that the majority of its products are safe. “Today, more than 85% of our cereal sales contain no colors from artificial sources,” the company stated, emphasizing that all ingredients meet federal regulations.

Global Differences in Consumer Preferences

Kellogg has removed artificial dyes from its products in countries like Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. However, the company points out that consumer preferences vary between markets. “There is better reception to our cereal recipes that use natural-color alternatives in the Canadian market than in the U.S.,” Kellogg explained, suggesting that market demands influence ingredient choices.

Pressure Mounts with New California Law

Kellogg may soon face additional pressure to change its practices in the U.S. Last month, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a groundbreaking bill banning six artificial food dyes from products served in the state’s public schools. This new law targets four dyes currently used in Froot Loops: Red Dye No. 40, Yellow Dye No. 5, Yellow Dye No. 6, and Blue Dye No. 1, potentially setting the stage for similar regulations across the country.

As public pressure and new state laws increase, Kellogg may need to reevaluate its use of artificial ingredients in U.S. markets.