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: 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.