Of course, some politicians also made a fuss. One said the claim may "mislead parents into believing that serving this sugary cereal will actually boost their child's immunity, leaving less likely to take more productive steps to protect their children's health."
Kellogg's responded that the vitamins in its cereal "play an important role in boosting immunity."
Seemed like a pretty pathetic defense. Does Kellogg's think Cocoa Krispies is... health food?
Now comes word that the ridicule Kellogg's received had an effect:
Kellogg Co. says it will pull immunity claims from its Rice Krispies and Cocoa Krispies cereal boxes...
(T)he food maker said Wednesday that given the public attention to swine flu, it has decided to phase out the message from its packages...
....(R)esponding to concerns in the media about the timing of this front-of-the-box claim and the swine flu outbreak.
John, you did the right thing joining FOX. Looking forward to watching your program.
November 7, 2009 at 2:42 am
Aardvark
John Stossel's RSS Feed:
http://stossel.blogs.foxbusiness.com/feed/
November 6, 2009 at 8:32 pm
Jonathan Breen
John, how do I subscribe to the RSS feed of your blog? I was receiving the RSS feed from your ABC blog and now would like to do the same with your Fox blog. Thanks!
November 6, 2009 at 6:02 pm
JohnJ
Thank goodness the government stepped in before it was too late.
Wait, they didn't? And the world didn't end? Imagine that,
November 6, 2009 at 4:20 pm
LAD
Kellogg's didn't claim their cereal was "health food" (however that might be defined). Rather they made a clear, scientifically defensible statement that their cereal helped support immunity. Since the cereal contains 25% RDA of Vitamins A, C and E that seems like a valid claim. I'm sure the cereal box also stated the amount of sugar in the product. Kellogg's made full disclosure. The fact that big brother pressured them to modify their accurate claims is not something to be celebrated.
It's as bad as General Foods 'Whole Grain' bit. Yah right, a box of Lucky Charms made with 'whole grain' is good for you.
November 6, 2009 at 2:08 pm
cb750
Broccoli and carrots aren't drugs, are not regulated by the fda and claims are they help with all sorts of things. Should those claims of health be removed until broccoli suppliers prove broccoli does you good?
I'm surprised Stossel would advocate the wicked hand of gov approving of foods. Isn't that up to the consumer? Its quite possible cocoa krispies has more vitamins in it than a daily vitamin and its just chocolate flavored.
Ahh the open box of worms. Do we need to now demand a little evidence based medicine/research on Flinstone Vitamins, gummy vits, maybe all vitamins. I know they are more careful with the labeling. Then, ride on the coat tails of the myriad of unsupported claims. If they actually did anything, they would all be regulated as a drug. They should all state that if you are deficient and able to absorb the nutrient in this bottle, here it is, if not save your money.
November 6, 2009 at 12:13 pm
PAState
I would like to know when John Stossel is on Fox News. Does anyone know? I looked forward to him every Friday, when he was on 20/20, I really appreciate how he looks at things and shows you the facts.
I saw him on O'Reilly and I was like wow so surprised, I was wondering why he was not on 20/20 anymore and where did he go and now I know where he is on Fox.
Thank you Mr. Stossell for your voice and showing us reality.
November 6, 2009 at 12:13 pm
Aardvark
There is nothing like a bright light focused on a company being stupid to get it to change its ways. I would love to see Kellogg's parade out the marketing geniuses who came up with marketing idea. Plus, if they have kids, I would love to know what THEY feed them.
John Stossel joined FOX Business and FOX News in October 2009. He is the New York Times best-selling author of Give Me A Break and Myths, Lies and Downright Stupidity. His "Give Me a Break" commentaries take a skeptical look at a wide array of issues, such as education, the economy, parenting, and more.
I criticized the cereal company Kellogg's because it suggested Cocoa Krispies "Helps support your child’s IMMUNITY.” 
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zeny zabala
John, you did the right thing joining FOX. Looking forward to watching your program.
Aardvark
John Stossel's RSS Feed: http://stossel.blogs.foxbusiness.com/feed/
Jonathan Breen
John, how do I subscribe to the RSS feed of your blog? I was receiving the RSS feed from your ABC blog and now would like to do the same with your Fox blog. Thanks!
JohnJ
Thank goodness the government stepped in before it was too late. Wait, they didn't? And the world didn't end? Imagine that,
LAD
Kellogg's didn't claim their cereal was "health food" (however that might be defined). Rather they made a clear, scientifically defensible statement that their cereal helped support immunity. Since the cereal contains 25% RDA of Vitamins A, C and E that seems like a valid claim. I'm sure the cereal box also stated the amount of sugar in the product. Kellogg's made full disclosure. The fact that big brother pressured them to modify their accurate claims is not something to be celebrated.
Tom
It's as bad as General Foods 'Whole Grain' bit. Yah right, a box of Lucky Charms made with 'whole grain' is good for you.
cb750
Broccoli and carrots aren't drugs, are not regulated by the fda and claims are they help with all sorts of things. Should those claims of health be removed until broccoli suppliers prove broccoli does you good? I'm surprised Stossel would advocate the wicked hand of gov approving of foods. Isn't that up to the consumer? Its quite possible cocoa krispies has more vitamins in it than a daily vitamin and its just chocolate flavored.
Marc
Ahh the open box of worms. Do we need to now demand a little evidence based medicine/research on Flinstone Vitamins, gummy vits, maybe all vitamins. I know they are more careful with the labeling. Then, ride on the coat tails of the myriad of unsupported claims. If they actually did anything, they would all be regulated as a drug. They should all state that if you are deficient and able to absorb the nutrient in this bottle, here it is, if not save your money.
PAState
I would like to know when John Stossel is on Fox News. Does anyone know? I looked forward to him every Friday, when he was on 20/20, I really appreciate how he looks at things and shows you the facts. I saw him on O'Reilly and I was like wow so surprised, I was wondering why he was not on 20/20 anymore and where did he go and now I know where he is on Fox. Thank you Mr. Stossell for your voice and showing us reality.
Aardvark
There is nothing like a bright light focused on a company being stupid to get it to change its ways. I would love to see Kellogg's parade out the marketing geniuses who came up with marketing idea. Plus, if they have kids, I would love to know what THEY feed them.