AUSTIN, TX — In a major development following a state-led investigation, General Mills, Inc. has agreed to remove artificial dyes from its cereals and other food products, marking a significant consumer health victory for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. The decision comes after legal pressure mounted on the company over claims that it deceptively marketed food items containing petroleum-based synthetic colorings as “healthy” and “nutritious.”
“General Mills removing these toxic artificial dyes is an incredible win for the health of our children and all Americans,” said Attorney General Paxton. “I look forward to finalizing an agreement with General Mills to ensure that this promise is kept.”
General Mills has now committed to removing artificial dyes from cereals and food sold in schools by summer 2026, and from its entire product portfolio by the end of 2027.
The company previously pledged in 2015 to eliminate synthetic dyes from its offerings. However, that commitment was short-lived, and artificial colorings later reappeared in several popular products. After receiving a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) from the Texas Office of the Attorney General, the food manufacturer has once again vowed to make the shift toward cleaner labeling.
Paxton’s office launched the investigation earlier this year, citing research linking synthetic dyes to a range of neurological and behavioral issues in children, including hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattention, and even autism-like symptoms. The inquiry focused on the alleged misrepresentation of products that contain these additives yet were marketed as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Attorney General Paxton has warned that other major food manufacturers, including Kellogg’s, are also under scrutiny for similar practices.
“Under my watch, big food companies that deceptively market their products and fill their foods with unhealthy ingredients have been put on notice,” Paxton said. “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.”
The agreement with General Mills is expected to include binding assurances of compliance and transparency regarding future product formulations. Consumer advocacy groups have praised the move, calling it a long-overdue step toward improving food safety—especially for children.
Texans and other concerned consumers are encouraged to monitor product labels and stay informed about ongoing efforts to hold food companies accountable for misleading health claims.
