(RNN) - A blow-up on social media on Tuesday led Kellogg's to decide to change the artwork now appearing on the back of its Corn Pops cereal box.
On his Twitter account, writer Saladin Ahmed pointed out the image's possible racist undertones.
The scene depicts cartoon corn pops in a shopping mall. While all the consumers are yellow pops, the lone brown pop is a janitor.
hey @KelloggsUS why is literally the only brown corn pop on the whole cereal box the janitor? this is teaching kids racism. pic.twitter.com/Nh7M7IFawW
— Saladin Ahmed (@saladinahmed) October 24, 2017
The Battle Creek, MI, company responded swiftly on Twitter.
Kellogg is committed to diversity & inclusion. We did not intend to offend – we apologize. The artwork is updated & will be in stores soon.
— Kellogg's (@KelloggsUS) October 24, 2017
Kellogg's spokesperson Kris Charles said in a statement to USA Today, "Kellogg Company has respect for all people, and our commitment to diversity and inclusion has long been a top priority. We take feedback very seriously, and it was never our intention to offend anyone. We apologize sincerely."
Charles said the new artwork would replace the current image during the process of distribution.
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