Kellogg’s lawsuit overview:
- Who: A London judge has dismissed Kellogg’s lawsuit challenging the U.K.’s new regulations regarding the promotion of ‘unhealthy’ foods.
- Why: The judge found the U.K.’s effort to curb childhood obesity ‘compelling.’
- Where: The Kellogg’s lawsuit was heard in a London court.
A London judge has dismissed Kellogg Co.’s lawsuit challenging the United Kingdom’s new regulations that restrict companies from promoting unhealthy foods and beverages, Bloomberg reported.
These new U.K. regulations, which restrict the promotion of products that are high in fat, salt and sugar, are set to take effect in October.
Judge rejects Kellogg’s argument that cereal nutrition should be counted with milk added
Kellogg’s argued that the sugar content of its cereal products such as Frosties and Special K should be considered after milk is added instead of considering only the dry weight of the products. Doing so would reflect the full nutritional value of the meal, Kellogg’s said.
Judge Thomas Linden was not persuaded by Kellogg’s argument, finding the government had put forth “compelling” arguments supporting the new regulations, which are meant to curb childhood obesity.
The judge found adding milk to the cereal did not change the fact that Kellogg’s cereal products are high in sugar. He also dismissed Kellogg’s argument that the U.K. government did not properly consult parliament prior to implementing the new food promotion regulation.
New regulations set rules for display, advertisement of ‘unhealthy’ foods
The new U.K. regulations establish rules for where certain foods can be displayed in stores and how they are advertised online. Food companies will no longer be allowed to advertise unhealthy foods on internet homepages or on unrelated product websites.
Promotions that encourage multiple purchases of foods high in fat, salt and sugar will be prohibited.
Kellogg’s argued the new U.K. food promotion regulations will place a heavier burden on consumers facing a cost-of-living crisis.
“By restricting the placement of items in supermarkets, people face less choice and potentially higher prices,” said Chris Silcock, Kellogg U.K.’s managing director. “In the midst of a cost of living crisis, we would strongly urge the Government to rethink these regulations and put the consumer first.”
Kellogg’s reportedly will not appeal the judge’s ruling.
Kellogg’s, which also owns Pringles, in 2020 was developing a new recyclable Pringles can to replace its iconic tube packaging, which cannot be recycled. The Pringles website lists certain locations where empty Pringles tubes can be dropped off for recycling; the company intends to have 1,000 collection locations by 2023.
What do you think of the new U.K. regulations restricting the promotion of “unhealthy” foods such as Kellogg’s cereal? Join the discussion in the comments!
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