Who regulates cereal boxes?

There isn't a single entity that "regulates" cereal boxes in the way you might think of a regulatory body. However, various organizations and laws play a role in what appears on a cereal box:

Federal Agencies:

* Food and Drug Administration (FDA): They regulate the safety of the food itself, including the ingredients, nutritional content, and labeling. This includes things like:

* Nutrition Facts Label: Must be present and accurate.

* Ingredient List: Must be complete and in descending order by weight.

* Health Claims: Must be backed by scientific evidence.

* Allergen Information: Must be clearly displayed.

* Federal Trade Commission (FTC): They regulate advertising claims, preventing false or misleading information on the box. This includes:

* Claims about health benefits: Must be supported by evidence.

* Claims about taste, quality, or quantity: Must be truthful.

Other Organizations:

* United States Department of Agriculture (USDA): They regulate the labeling of organic products, so if a cereal claims to be organic, it must meet USDA standards.

* State Agencies: Some states have their own regulations regarding food labeling, which may be stricter than federal regulations.

Industry Standards:

* The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA): This industry group develops voluntary standards for food packaging and labeling. These standards are often followed by cereal companies.

Additional Considerations:

* Consumer Pressure: Public awareness about issues like sugar content or deceptive marketing can influence what appears on cereal boxes.

* Company Policies: Many companies have internal policies regarding what they deem appropriate for their packaging, which can go beyond legal requirements.

In summary: It's a complex web of regulations, industry standards, and consumer pressure that shapes what you see on a cereal box.