General Mills to remove dyes from products amid legal action

After a Civil Investigative Demand was issued by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against General Mills, Inc. for allegedly illegally misrepresenting its food products, the company announced it will remove artificial dyes from its products. The probe revealed that the company was deceptively marketing its cereals as “healthy” and “nutritious” despite containing petroleum-based food coloring.

While the company pledged to remove synthetic dyes from its products in 2015, General Mills shortly after started reselling cereals containing synthetic dyes.

“General Mills removing these toxic artificial dyes is an incredible win for the health of our children and all Americans,” Attorney General Paxton said. “I look forward to finalizing an agreement with General Mills to ensure that this promise is kept.”

Synthetic dyes have been linked to a variety of neurological and behavioral issues in children such as increased hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattentiveness, and even autism.

“Under my watch, big food companies that deceptively market their products and fill their foods with unhealthy ingredients have been put on notice that they will be held accountable for their actions,” Attorney General Paxton said.

General Mills announced it will “remove synthetic food dyes from its cereals and food sold in schools by next summer” and the rest of its products by the end of 2027, Woodlands Online reported. Attorney General Paxton said he won’t stop there and is investigating other food companies for similar alleged deception.

“I will never back down from defending Texas consumers and will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with President Trump and Secretary Kennedy to help Americans get healthier,” he said.