Texas investigates ‘heart healthy’ labels on Sun Chips, Mazola and other products
AG Ken Paxton launches investigation into ‘heart healthy’ food labels
Brittany Taylor, Senior Digital Content Producer
Published: August 3, 2026 at 12:52 PM
AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into several major food manufacturers over allegations they may have misled consumers by marketing certain products as “heart healthy.”
According to Paxton’s office, the investigation will examine whether companies violated the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act by promoting foods as beneficial for heart health despite containing ingredients the attorney general says may contribute to health problems
The Office of the Attorney General said it has issued Civil Investigative Demands (CIDs) to several food manufacturers, including:
- Frito-Lay
- Flora Food Group
- ACH Foods
The investigation could expand to additional companies
In announcing the investigation Monday, Paxton argued that some products marketed as “heart healthy” contain ingredients that consumers may not associate with healthy eating
His office specifically pointed to products ranging from Mazola Canola Oil to Sun Chips, alleging they contain ingredients such as seed oils, added sugars, refined grains and other additives that the attorney general believes can negatively affect health
The announcement also criticizes labels that highlight attributes such as low cholesterol or low sodium while, according to the attorney general’s office, overlooking other ingredients it considers unhealthy
The attorney general’s office said investigators will determine whether the companies’ advertising and labeling practices misrepresent the health benefits of their products to Texas consumers in violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act
As part of the investigation, the companies have received Civil Investigative Demands, which are similar to subpoenas and require businesses to provide documents and information relevant to the state’s inquiry
Paxton released the following statement:
“I won’t allow corporations to slap a ‘heart healthy’ symbol on their food labels as an attempt to market seed oils and other chemical-filled foods as healthy,” Paxton said in a statement. “I have seen that many products with this ‘heart healthy’ label can actually impair heart function. I am committed to Making America Healthy Again, and this is another piece of that broad effort to protect Texans’ health and well-being.”
The attorney general’s office noted that cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide and said food labeling plays an important role in helping consumers make dietary decisions
The investigation comes as food labeling, processed foods and seed oils have become the focus of increased public debate and scrutiny in recent years
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