Kellogg’s in court battle over new rules for high-sugar cereals

LONDON – Food giant Kellogg’s is taking the government to court over new rules that would prevent some cereals being prominently displayed in stores because of their high sugar content.

Kellogg’s says the rules fail to consider the nutritional value of the milk added to the product.

The company says independent market data shows cereals are eaten with milk or yoghurt in 92 percent of cases.

But the government said the new rules would help tackle child hood obesity. Under the new regulations for England, which come into force from October, retailer promotions on food and drink high in fat, salt or sugar will be restricted.

Products covered by the restrictions will also not be allowed to be featured in key locations such as checkouts, store entrances, aisle ends and their online equivalents.

Popular brands such as Crunchy Nut Corn Flakes and Fruit and Fibre are classified as foods that are high in fat, sugar or salt in their dry form and so retailers may be prevented from displaying such products in prominent positions, harming sales.

Including added milk would change the calculation by reduc ing the proportion of sugar and salt content relative to the weight of the overall serving.

In a statement, Kellogg’s said it had “tried to have a reasonable conversation with government” over the issue without success - hence their legal challenge.

However, some food campaigners disagreed.

Caroline Cerny, from the Obesity Health Alliance, said: “This is a blatant attempt by a multinational food company to wriggle out of vital new regulations that will limit their ability to profit from marketing their unhealthy products.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “Breakfast cereals contribute seven percent - a significant amount - to the average daily free sugar intakes of children.