CEREAL GIANT KELLOGG IS INTERESTED in negotiating a settlement to a pending lawsuit charging it with harmful marketing to kids, according to a group pursuing the case.

Representatives of the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), one of several plaintiffs, said they have met with Kellogg and discussed options for settling the matter. They declined, however, to offer details about what a resolution might include.

"We'd certainly like to reach a settlement without going to court," said CSPI Executive Director Michael Jacobson.

No further face-to-face talks are scheduled, and the suit is scheduled to be filed the week of Feb. 20. Kellogg declined comment.

Find out more about Kellogg's position on harmful marketing to kids lawsuit at http://publications.mediapost.com.