Kellogg's apologises for 'racist' cereal box cartoon

The brown corn pop was portrayed as a janitor.
 By 
Yvette Tan
 on 
Kellogg's apologises for 'racist' cereal box cartoon
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Elise Amendola/AP/REX/Shutterstock (6137693a) This Jan. 31, 2014 photo shows a box of Kellogg's cereal on display on a supermarket shelf in Middleton, Mass. Kellogg reports quarterly earnings on Earns Kelloggs, Middleton, USA Credit: Elise Amendola/AP/REX/Shutterstock

Kellogg's has apologised after a Twitter user complained that the cartoon art found on one of its cereal boxes was 'racist'.

Saladin Ahmed, a Marvel comic writer, accused the cereal company of teaching racism, pointing out an illustration on a Corn Pop cereal box.

"Hey @KelloggsUS why is literally the only brown corn pop on the whole cereal box the janitor? this is teaching kids racism," he tweeted on Wednesday.

The illustration on the cereal box shows several yellow cartoon cereal pieces, all performing different activities, from juggling to bathing in a fountain.

One character, who appears to be dressed as a janitor waxing the floors, appears to be a darker shade than the others.

Kellogg's were quick to respond to Ahmed's tweet, apologising and saying that the artwork would be "updated and in stores soon."

Some online however, disagreed that the illustration was "racist."

And many even attacked Ahmed on Twitter, he said.

Plenty were in support of Kellogg's changing its artwork, though.

Mashable Image
Yvette Tan

Yvette is a Viral Content Reporter at Mashable Asia. She was previously reporting for BBC's Singapore bureau and Channel NewsAsia.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
Racist slur repeated in Google notifications on BAFTA N-word scandal
Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo at the BAFTAs

This $101 Booster Box is the fastest way to start a Magic game
Magic: The Gathering Foundations Jumpstart 2025 Boosters against a pink and purple background.

The One Piece TCG The Azure Sea’s Seven Booster Box is $25 off at Amazon
The One Piece TCG: The Azure Sea's Seven Booster Box on a red and orange background


The Magic: The Gathering Commander Masters Set Booster Box is now over $50 below market value on Amazon
MTG Commander Masters Play Booster Box on a green patterned background

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone


What's new to streaming this week? (April 3, 2026)
A composite of images from film and TV streaming this week.

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 2, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!