Kellogg's will use laser to burn logo onto individual corn flakes to stamp out fakes

The Daily Mail (U.K.) / various ^ | October 13,2009

[Stoat]

Kellogg's has developed a hi-tech method to stamp out imitation cereals - by branding individual flakes of corn with the company logo.
 

The new technology enables the firm - which makes 67million boxes of Corn Flakes every year - to burn the famous signature onto individual flakes using lasers.
 

Kellogg's plans to produce a number one-off trial batches of the branded flakes to test the system.

Bosses will then consider inserting a proportion of branded flakes into each box to guarantee the cereal's origins and protect against imitation products.
 

If the system is successful it could be used on Kellogg's other best-loved brands including Frosties, Special K, Crunchy Nut and Bran Flakes.
 

The laser uses a concentrated beam of light which focuses the energy within the beam, down to a very small spot on the Corn Flake.

Mirror galvanometers are then used to steer the beam creating multiple vectors that reflect the laser from different angles and ultimately make up the image.
 

The energy density within the laser spot diameter is sufficient enough to give the surface of the flake a darker, toasted appearance without changing the taste.
 

Kellogg's embarked on the project to reinforce that they don't make cereals for any other companies and to fire a shot across the bows of makers of 'fake flakes'.

 

[Stoat]

And do they really think that the Chinese, for instance, are incapable of developing their own Circle K branding machines to do their own counterfeit flakes dipped in antifreeze?

When that starts happening, they'll bond an RFID chip to each flake so that it can not only be tracked through the distribution chain as well as through the end user's alimentary canal ;-)

[knarf]

It only took 4 replies .... that’s exactly what I was thinking

[knarf]

How about this, Kellog ....

67 million frikkin' boxes ain't enough?

[onedoug]

Are they made in China?

God, I hope not. I recall some months ago that TJs said they were going to reign in their Chinese made products. The box says, "Dist. & Sold Exclusively By: Trader Joe's, Monrovia, CA 91016".

But now you've but a bug in my ear, so I'm going to try and call them to find out.

Thanks. I'll report back to you.

[Dianna]

Amazing what companies spend their time and money on sometimes. How big a problem is counterfeit corn flakes?

[knarf]

Speakin' of M&M's ...

I have a new job ...

Spell checker at an M&M factory.

Someday I'll tell you of when I was a diesel fitter.

[WOBBLY BOB]

Well, he is the Supreme Leader of all the flakes.

[Dianna]

Ever wonder what the logo on an M&M costs?

Given that you can now buy personalized M&M's, the cost is finally quantifiable. :)

[dalereed]

Screw Kelloggs, corn flakes are corn flakes!

[mrmeyer]

If Corn Flakes were my cereal of choice, I’d opt for the generic...but I prefer Cheerios. To each their own.

[668 - Neighbor of the Beast]

Actually, we do have a human almanac here at 668, who would know the answer.
But that ain’t me! :(

[ImJustAnotherOkie]

Freaky man!!! It must be a sign.

[Stoat]

Screw Kelloggs, corn flakes are corn flakes!

Indeed.  And because they have no direct relationship to bacon, they have no relevance as a breakfast food.

 

((((snicker)))))

[onedoug]

E-mailed them with that question. Awaiting reply....

[sportutegrl]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2361268/posts

What about a face instead of 50 stars?

[Dr. Bogus Pachysandra]

Doug, I was just goofing on the word “lead.” Same spelling, two different meanings. Hence the link to China. Lead=Pb.

[Dianna]

Oddly enough, I have. Do you know the answer?

Custom M&M's are $50 for 28 ounces...

How crazy is that!?

[The Comedian]

"No Mr. Bond, I expect you to eat."

[TChris]

LOLOL!

Nice. :-)

[onedoug]

I’m series though...going into panic mode. I don’t want no Chinese lead, or Pb. Holy cow!