Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office has secured an agreement with food manufacturer General Mills to remove petroleum-based artificial colors from its products.
On Wednesday, General Mills announced plans to remove the artificial dyes from its U.S. cereals and foods served in K-12 schools by summer 2026. It also plans to eliminate the dyes from all U.S. retail products by the end of 2027.
The agreement comes one month after Paxton sent General Mills a Civil Investigative Demand—a legal tool similar to a subpoena used to gather information—as a part of his office’s investigation into the company.
Paxton’s office had been investigating the food company for allegedly misrepresenting its food products as “healthy” while including the harmful artificial colors.
“General Mills removing these toxic artificial dyes is an incredible win for the health of our children and all Americans,” stated Paxton. “I look forward to finalizing an agreement with General Mills to ensure that this promise is kept.”
The attorney general emphasized that the agreement will put other food companies using harmful chemicals on notice. Currently, his office is investigating another food manufacturer, Kellogg’s, over similar concerns.
“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 added.
According to Paxton, the artificial chemicals have been associated with a variety of neurological and behavioral issues in children, such as increased hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattentiveness, and even autism.
BBC previously reported that the chemicals have already been banned in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Canada.
Jeff Harmening, CEO of General Mills, described the company’s decision to ditch the chemicals as them moving “quickly to meet evolving consumer needs.”
“Today, the vast majority of our foods are made without certified colors and we’re working to ensure that will soon apply to our full portfolio,” stated Harmening.
“Knowing the trust families place in us, we are leading the way on removing certified colors in cereals and K-12 foods by next summer,” he continued. “We’re committed to continuing to make food that tastes great and is accessible to all.”
In addition to General Mills, Kraft Heinz announced on Tuesday that it will remove color additives from its remaining products by the end of 2027.
