Kellogg Global Nutrient Criteria
We devoted significant time and resources to developing the Kellogg Global Nutrient Criteria (KGNC). We based these Nutrient Criteria on a broad review of scientific reports. As we developed the standards, we shared our approach with a number of key stakeholders, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Center for Science in the Public Interest, and members of the Institute of Medicine. We also reached out to dozens of influencers – including nutritionists, regulators, academics and industry leaders – to gather feedback.
The KGNC set upper per-serving thresholds to determine which products we will market to children. These thresholds allow no more than:
When we made our announcement, about half of the products we marketed to children worldwide did not meet our new criteria. Since then, we have made significant efforts to introduce new products that do meet the criteria and reformulate existing ones by reducing sugar, salt and fats, and adding other grains. For example, to meet or exceed the KGNC, we have reformulated Rice Krispies®, Cocoa Krispies®, Corn Pops® and Apple Jacks® in the U.S.; Rice Krispies®, Crispix Krispies® and Corn Pops® in Canada; and Frosties®, Cocoa Frosties® and Coco Pops® in Southeast Asia/Greater China.
Finding ways to reformulate products has been challenging, but we are committed to making continued progress while delivering the same great taste that our consumers desire.
By the end of 2008, the majority of our products marketed to children met the KGNC. Beginning in 2009, those that do not meet the criteria will no longer be marketed to children under the age of 12.
*For Eggo™ frozen waffles/products, the maximum allowable level of sodium under the KGNC is 20 percent DV (460mg), since these products are typically served as entrees/main dishes and approximately 50 percent of the sodium is attributed to the leavening agent necessary to the functionality and form of the food.