Kellog’s Froot Loops is not carcinogenic as claimed in the post. Know the truth.

Kellog’s froot loops is considered as one of the favorites breakfast cereal of children. However, recently netizens were seen raising questions on the safety of health after consuming the product. 

In one such post, a social media user claimed that Kellog’s uses various dyes and a preservative called BHT in the product which makes it carcinogenic and thus dangerous to consume. 

But Fact Crescendo found the claim to be false. BHT and other dyes used in Kellog’s froot loops are approved by FDA and other food safety organizations.

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Fact Check- 

First, we found out whether Kellog’s froot loops really contains BHT and other dyes. After searching the product in the Amazon website, we went thoroughly through the list of ingredients mentioned in the packet of the product. Out of all the ingredients, it is clearly mentioned that Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, Yellow 6 and BHT are added to the froot loops. 

What is BHT and where it is used? 

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), is a lab made chemical and antioxidant that is added to food as a preservative. This is also used as medicine to treat genital herpes and AIDS. It is also used in a wide range of cosmetic formulations as an antioxidant. It is a common synthetic compound that is used as a preservative in cosmetic formulations to stabilize the formulation and prevent its oxidation. It maintains the properties of a formulation like color, odour, and texture, which may change upon exposure to air.

Is BHT carcinogenic? 

As per FDA report, BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) is approved for use as a food preservative to prevent oxidation and extend shelf life, provided it meets a purity level of at least 99%. It can be used alone or combined with BHA. For the safety of the consumers, its concentration has been limited to specific levels in different foods products, such as 50 ppm in dry breakfast cereals and potato flakes, 10 ppm in potato granules, and up to 200 ppm in emulsion stabilizers for shortenings. FDA has ordered strict guidelines such as labels for products containing BHT must clearly state its presence, and if mixed with a carrier, the percentage must also be disclosed to ensure safety and transparency.

BHT has been extensively studied for its metabolism and toxicology. It is recognized as an effective antioxidant. According to reports, it may have vitamin E-like effects in fatty tissues and reduce certain tumour incidences in animal studies. At low dietary levels no toxic effects are observed. However, higher doses can lead to increased liver weight and elevated microsomal enzyme activity, which is generally reversible and not considered as toxic at standard usage levels. But the possibility of BHT affecting other tissues (like the lungs or gastrointestinal lining) requires further investigation. No immediate public health hazards have been identified so far. 

Color Dyes: 

According to a report, Red Dye 40 is made from petroleum and is approved by FDA for use in foods and drinks. However, some studies have linked red dye 40 to hyperactivity, including ADHD. Some other studies have shown an improvement in behaviour and attention once the dyes are eliminated. But currently, the US does not impose ban on any food dyes. 

All the color dyes Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, mentioned as ingredients in the Kellog’s froot loops packet are approved by FDA for use in food. Below you can see the list of the dyes and where they can be used according to FDA. 

• Red 40: Cereal, beverages, gelatine, puddings, dairy products, and confections
• Blue 1: Confections, beverages, cereals, frozen dairy desserts, popsicles, frostings & icings
• Yellow 5: Confections, cereals, snack foods, beverages, condiments, baked goods, and yogurt
• Yellow 6: Cereals, snack foods, baked goods, gelatines, beverages, dessert powders, crackers, and sauces

In the Q & A section, FDA clarified that most children have no adverse effects when consuming foods containing color additives, but some evidence suggests that certain children may be sensitive to them. FDA is continuing with studies to ensure the safety of color additives approved for use. Apart from this, it assured that color additives are safe when they are used in accordance with FDA regulations.

Conclusion: 

Fact Crescendo found the claim to be misleading. Although it is true that Kellog’s froot loops uses color additives and BHT as preservative, but FDA and other food safety organizations had approved the use of these as they did not find any adverse health effects upon consuming products with these dyes and preservatives.