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 Health
officials in Denmark recently banned the addition of vitamins and
minerals to 18 varieties of breakfast foods and cereals produced
by Kellogg Co., believing eating those products regularly could
potentially ruin the health of children and pregnant women.
Kellogg had hoped to add iron, calcium, folic acid and vitamin
B6 to some cereals and cereal bars as they do in other countries.
However, Danish officials believe such toxic additives in these
cereals, if eaten regularly, would harm the livers and kidneys of
children as well as unborn fetuses in pregnant women.
In fact, a government laboratory delivered the ban after examining
the ingredient lists provided by Kellogg. The company defended its
position, arguing the four nutrients added 25 percent or less of
an adult’s daily requirement, and the extra ingredients were
clearly marked on products and fell within established international
guidelines.
A Kellogg spokesperson pointed out the Danish are very protective
of their diet that can be frugal or austere at best and that their
government is working on initiatives to encourage citizens to consume
extra vitamins and minerals in their diets.
The
Guardian
August 12, 2004
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