Apparently the fact that they’re healthy and can lower your cholesterol makes them a drug. I shit you not.

According to a letter from the FDA General Mills’ advertising violates the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. The agency said claims that Cheerios ingredients can lower cholesterol within a certain amount of time, all while providing cancer-fighting and heart-healthy benefits, essentially makes Cheerios “a drug” by their definition. And no drug in this country can be legally marketed without an approved new drug application.

The Food and Drug Adminisration, apparently having solved all of the world’s other ills, is giving General Mills 15 days to explain how it’ll change the language. It doesn’t actually dispute the fact that Cheerios lowers cholesterol, it jut says that the language is improper. What are these boxes claiming that’s so heinous?

Current boxes of Cheerios are touting what the company calls exciting news — the cereal’s ability to help lower cholesterol 10 percent in one month.

Apparently truth in advertising is now illegal.

Via HAH.