Are you aware of what’s in your cereal?

Eva Mendes believes it’s crucial for you to find out.

The actress recently expressed her views on Instagram, urging Kellogg’s to stop using artificial food dyes in their cereals, igniting a wave of responses online.

“Cereal was a big part of my childhood. I still enjoy it, but I won’t eat @kelloggsus anymore after discovering that many ingredients they use in the US are BANNED in other countries because they pose risks to children,” she shared on Instagram on October 8. She also invited her followers to participate in a “peaceful march to Kellogg’s HQ to demand the removal of artificial food dyes.”

The reactions were immediate: “YES Eva!!!! Thank you for advocating for safer products for our kids!” one user commented. Meanwhile, another follower disagreed, stating, “You guys believe there’s some huge conspiracy when the FACT is that artificial dyes are proven to be safe.” Kellogg’s latest Instagram update from September 25 received over 2,000 comments demanding improvements in ingredient quality.

Kellogg’s addressed the situation, stating to YSL News, “Our products, including the ingredients, comply with all relevant laws and regulations. We are committed to clear labeling so consumers can make informed choices about their food.”

So, who’s right regarding food dyes? It depends on whom you ask.

Some states are beginning to ban these dyes, and Mendes is advocating for more legislation. Recently, dozens of protesters gathered outside the WK Kellogg Co. headquarters in Michigan, submitting petitions with over 400,000 signatures, according to the Associated Press.

Which artificial dyes are found in Kellogg’s cereals?

Kellogg’s Froot Loops contains Red Dye No. 40, Yellow Dye No. 5, Yellow Dye No. 6, Blue Dye No. 1, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), a synthetic chemical used as a preservative. According to WebMD, BHT also serves in medical treatments for genital herpes, AIDS, and cold sores, although studies on its potential carcinogenic properties show mixed results.

In contrast, Canadian Froot Loops are colored using natural sources like concentrated carrot juice, watermelon juice, huito juice, and blueberry juice.

Kellogg’s claims that over 85 percent of their cereal sales do not include ingredients from artificial sources.

“We are continually innovating new cereals that are free from artificial colorings across our main brands, providing a diverse selection of nutritious options for our customers,” the company stated.

Some artificial dyes could soon be prohibited in California schools

Are food dyes linked to ADHD or cancer?

A California Environmental Protection Agency report from 2021 suggested a connection between artificial food dyes and “hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral issues” in certain children, prompting similar restrictions on food coloring in the European Union.

“There’s significant evidence indicating a link between these substances and behavioral changes, particularly in kids with ADHD or similar conditions,” stated Asa Bradman, a public health professor at the University of California Merced who contributed to the California study. “Exposure to these dyes seems to worsen symptoms.”

While a definitive causal link has not been established, opponents of food dye often highlight the increase in artificial dye consumption alongside rising ADHD diagnoses in children.

“These additives provide no nutritional or health benefits; they’re purely for aesthetics,” Bradman remarked.

Also, Red 3 has been associated with cancer in animal studies. Although the FDA banned its use in cosmetics in 1990 due to safety concerns, it remains allowable in food products. California has recently prohibited six specific dyes in public schools, and other states are considering similar bans.

“I find myself constantly reading labels. It takes me forever to shop for groceries. It shouldn’t be this complicated,” said Pennsylvania State Rep. Natalie Mihalek. The FDA last assessed exposure to the six chemicals banned in California in 2016 and announced plans for a public meeting to reassess how it evaluates chemicals in food after they are approved.