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5 Food Brands That Are Reviewing Logos and Packaging After Public Criticism

racist brand logo and packaging racist stereotype
By Staff Reporter , Parent Herald
Photo: (Photo : Photo by Mehrad Vosoughi from Pexels)

After the death of George Floyd, racism sparked once again in debates. According to John Allen of Brookings, systemic racism is one of the most significant issues in the United States that remains unaddressed.

Several Americans all over the country protested against police brutality, which was later on associated with racism.

Aside from the protests on the streets, people online have also called out some prominent brands. These brands have logos and packaging that are criticized by consumers for allegedly promoting racist stereotypes.

All of these brands are reviewing their packaging and logo. Some already started their move to addressing the feedback that they have received.

Here are four U.S. brands that have considered examining or modifying their logos and packaging:

Aunt Jemima Pancake Mix And Syrup

The public recently probed the name and brand image of this product.

The logo of the brand highlights an African-American woman. This logo has been the face of Aunt Jemima Pancake Mix and Syrup for more than 100 years. The African-American woman, Aunt Jemima, is a character from a show in the 19th century. In the show, she is a black woman who works as a nanny for a white family. According to Pepsi Co Inc., the owner of Aunt Jemima, they will change the name and brand image of their product.

READ ALSO: Teens Participate in "George Floyd Challenge": Police Investigates Posts, Treats Them As Hate Crime

Uncle Ben's Packaged Rice

Another product which is now under scrutiny is Uncle Ben's. The logo of this product features a white-haired African-American. The product was named after a Texas rice farmer.

The owner of Uncle Ben's, Mars, said they are reviewing their packaging. In a statement that they recently released, the company acknowledged the need to be responsible for taking a stand in ending racist stereotypes, biases, and injustices.

The company said that they are going to evolve Uncle Ben's brand through the visual brand identity.

A spokesperson of Mars, however, said in an email to CBC News that there are no exact changes or timing regarding the matter yet.

Cream of Wheat

After the move of Uncle Ben's and Aunt Jemima, B&G Foods is launching an immediate review of its product packaging.

Cream of White uses an African-American chef in its packaging. According to some reports, this packaging has long been criticized for being submissive and and for promoting racist stereotype.

  B&G Foods told Rolling Stone that they are going to take active steps to ensure that their brand will not take part in any form of systemic racism. READ ALSO: Parents Ask: How To Talk About Race And Privilege With Children?

Butterworth's

Another brand that is taking into review its logo and packaging is Mrs. Butterworth's.

The public is criticizing the brand's bottles. According to some, the shape of the container is offensive because it's like a racial caricature for Black women.

However, Conagra Brands, the owner of Mrs. Butterworth's, said that this is not the intention of the brand. Despite their explanation, they said on Wednesday that they are reviewing the packaging to help eliminate racist stereotypes.

Land O'Lakes

Ahead of the four brands mentioned is Land O'Lakes. In February, the company has announced that they will remove the image of the Native American woman with a feather in her hair from their packaging.

Instead, the company intends to focus on farmers who help in making their products.

 

Their logo has been part of the company since 1928.

According to the CEO of Land O'Lakes, Beth Ford, they are doing this as part of staying true to their company culture.

READ ALSO: 9-Year-Old Girl Sells Friendship Bracelets, Raises $50K to Help Residents of Minneapolis

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