One Staple Cereal Is Banned In Other Countries Partially Due To Its Mascot - Tasting Table

"the U.S. cereal market was worth over $13.5 billion in 2024 (per Grand View Research. While many of us grew up with Toucan Sam, Lucky the Leprechaun, Count Chocula, and other iconic food brand mascots, those colorful characters aren't welcome everywhere - at least, not anymore. Even seemingly harmless Kellogg's Corn Flakes have been banned in some countries, partly for health reasons and partly because of its mascot, Cornelius the Rooster."

"In 2022, Mexico seized 380,000 boxes of Kellogg's cereal, including its Corn Flakes, under laws that prohibit marketing to children through the use of cartoon mascots (per AP News). The crackdown was part of the country's broader effort to improve children's diets after the use of brand mascots was identified as a potential contributor to the problem. In 2018, Mexico enacted the law designed to protect children, which prohibited the use of children's characters or figures - including children or animals - that might appeal to kids under 14."

"Interestingly enough, Denmark banned Kellogg's Corn Flakes in 2004. At the time, the country argued that the vitamin-enriched versions of various cereals were harmful and could be dangerous if eaten regularly, especially by children or pregnant people. Today, any fortified food sold in Denmark must be approved by the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration. The ban was not a blanket one; products could be reviewed and sold if they met specific guidelines."

The U.S. cereal market was worth over $13.5 billion in 2024. Iconic cereal mascots like Toucan Sam and Cornelius the Rooster have influenced perceptions of cereal marketing. In 2022, Mexico seized 380,000 boxes of Kellogg's cereal amid laws banning marketing to children via cartoon mascots. Mexico enacted a 2018 law prohibiting characters that might appeal to kids under 14 and cited high childhood overweight prevalence as a rationale. Denmark banned vitamin-enriched Corn Flakes in 2004, citing potential harm from fortified cereals; fortified foods now require approval by the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration.

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