Lawsuits allege high levels of lead in General Mills’ Cocoa Puffs cereal
Class-action suits demand $5 million in damages.
Cocoa Puffs, one of the most popular breakfast cereals for children, is accused of having dangerously high levels of lead in a pair of class action lawsuits.
The pair of suits, filed in Minnesota and California, are seeking over $5 million in damages for consumers who “would not have purchased and consumed [the cereal] had they known the truth about the products.”
General Mills did not immediate reply to Fortune’s request for comment.
The California suit alleges a one-cup serving of the cereal contains just under the state’s maximum limit of lead—0.5 micrograms. Most consumers, however, the suit notes, pour well beyond that amount when they opt for a bowl. The Minnesota suit alleges the company failed to “disclose that the products could poison the consumer.”
The lawsuits follow a revelation in 2022 that many popular dark chocolates sold by popular brands including Hershey and Trader Joe’s often contain high levels of cadmium and lead, which have been linked to health problems in both children and adults.
It also comes on the heels of a pair of class action lawsuits against another popular General Mills cereal—Cheerios—which alleged that breakfast stable may contain high pesticide levels. Both suits were dropped soon after it was filed, reports the Star Tribune. Food companies regularly face allegations about labeling issues.
What’s noteworthy about this suit is the allegation that potentially dangerous lead levels are found in a product that is heavily marketed toward children. The Sonny the Cuckoo Bird mascot, who claims to be “Cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs,” has been a part of the brand since 1962.
The issue for plaintiffs is likely to be proving whether General Mills failed to follow any laws—and to show whether harm has been done to consumers. The company used that argument in the Cheerio’s suits before they were voluntarily dismissed.
