A recent analysis has prompted Consumer Reports to advocate for the removal of Lunchables from school lunch menus due to their high sodium content and presence of heavy metals.
Brian Ronholm, head of food policy at Consumer Reports, expressed worry over the health implications of Lunchables for children. He urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to reconsider including the brand in the National School Lunch Program.
According to Consumer Reports, their examination unveiled alarming levels of sodium and traces of lead, cadmium, and phthalates in Lunchables. These substances, if consumed consistently, can pose significant health risks, Ronholm emphasized.
Responding to these findings, a Kraft Heinz spokesperson defended the safety of Lunchables, asserting that their products adhere to rigorous safety standards. They noted that lead and cadmium are naturally occurring elements found in the environment, and their presence in food is typically minimal.
Consumer Reports highlighted that two Lunchables varieties—Turkey and Cheddar Cracker Stackers and Extra Cheesy Pizza—are currently part of the school lunch program. Testing revealed that these options contained significant percentages of the California lead maximum, surpassing federal limits.
Moreover, Consumer Reports emphasized that Lunchables designed for school distribution contained higher sodium levels compared to their retail counterparts. The disparity in sodium content raises concerns, especially considering the health implications for children.
In response to these concerns, a petition initiated by Consumer Reports urging the USDA to remove Lunchables from school lunches has garnered over 14,000 signatures. The USDA, however, maintains that it regulates the overall nutritional content of meals rather than individual food items.
