Parker Waichman LLP

FDA Reprimands General Mills Over Cheerios Claims

  General Mills Is Troubled With Cheerios Claims That Cheerios Lower Cholesterol. General Mills is in trouble over some health claims it has been making over its popular cereal, Cheerios. The Associated Press (AP) reported that federal regulators are miffed over the cereal giant’s claims that Cheerios can lower cholesterol and treat heart disease, claims, says […]

General Mills cheerios claims

 

General Mills Is Troubled With Cheerios Claims That Cheerios Lower Cholesterol. General Mills is in trouble over some health claims it has been making over its popular cereal, Cheerios. The Associated Press (AP) reported that federal regulators are miffed over the cereal giant’s claims that Cheerios can lower cholesterol and treat heart disease, claims, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), that are only allowable on FDA-approved medications.

The AP noted that the cereal’s labeling states, “you can lower your cholesterol four percent in six weeks.” General Mills argued that the claims have been approved for 12 years, said the AP. The San Francisco Gate (SF Gate) pointed out that the problem has to do with how the cereal is marketed on the box with the words “lower cholesterol” larger and separate from “ability to reduce the risk of heart disease.”

Meanwhile, late last month, media outlets confirmed that another cereal giant, Kellogg Company, agreed to settle charges with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that it used false advertising to tout its Frosted Mini-Wheats cereal.  The national television ads falsely boasted benefits children receive after eating a breakfast of Kellogg’s Frosted Mini Wheats, saying that children who eat the breakfast cereal experience a 20 percent improvement in attentiveness over children who skipped breakfast, reported the SF Gate in a prior report, citing the FTC.

Apparently, the study Kellogg cited in its ad campaign did see a benefit from eating the cereal, but only in half the children studied and only 11 percent of those children’s attention improved by the so-called 20 percent, said the SF Gate.  Market Watch then reported that the proposed settlement bans Kellogg from making these types of claims about Frosted Mini-Wheats and also bans Kellogg from misrepresenting “future test or research results about any morning or snack food products.”  Food Product Design said that the FTC claim involved statements by Kellogg that Frosted Mini-Wheats are “clinically shown to improve kids’ attentiveness by nearly 20 percent.”  Not only are the claims false, said Food Product Design, the claims violate federal law.

Kellogg Is Not Allowed To Make Deceptive Health Claims

Under the proposed consent agreement, Kellogg Company is not allowed to make deceptive or misleading cognitive health claims for its breakfast and snack foods, and is also prohibited from “misrepresenting any tests or studies,” said Food Product Design.

Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), a Washington-based consumer-advocacy group, stated at the time, that it wants Kellogg to stop using synthetic food dyes found in some varieties of Mini-Wheats, said the AP previously, adding that the group said the dyes aggravate some hyperactivity and behavioral problems in children.

These are not the first times a major, trusted, company has been caught making false claims about its products.  In January we wrote about how the Coca-Cola Company was being sued over false claims about some of its beverages in its second such scandal over deceptive marketing practices.  According to a previous Reuters article, CSPI was suing the soft drink giant in a class action lawsuit that accused it of making false claims about its Vitaminwater drinks.  That lawsuit followed an earlier warning by the FDA about its marketing of Diet Coke Plus, said Reuters, in which it claimed that Diet Coke Plus includes vitamins and minerals, which violate U.S. policy against marketing soda and other snack foods as more nutritious, or “fortified.”

Need Legal Help Regarding General Mills?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
I have had such charming experiences when calling. Both Catherine Nunez and Jillian have been such great helps, they answer every question I may have and are always willing to help. This is my first time dealing with a law firm so was scared at first but they have both made this process so easy thus far. Great in every aspect. Also, the nurse consultant Joanne Stevens has been on top of my medical injuries & treatment making sure all that needs to get done is. They’ve all been making this process as smooth as they can for me.
Carmen Rodriguez
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Responsiveness , Value
michael dalton
2 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Love the way Ms Asia Gali was very attentive and so polite when i called to ask about there services and she made sure to call me back when needed to or text to make sure my appointment with them was on time and set on schedule! She was Great! Thank you so much Asia from Parker Waichman LLP! You guys are the best and definitely will recommend you to anyone in need! — Robert Pombo Jr.
Robert Pombo
11 months ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038