Lunchables have been the target of criticism over the years. Some of these claims have proven to be hoaxes, but the question of their nutritional value has been consistently raised. Now Consumer Reports has joined the conversation, petitioning the USDA to, “remove Lunchables from the National School Lunch Program and ensure that kids in schools have healthier options.”
Tests Reveal Heavy Metals and High Sodium Levels
According to an NPR report, The advocacy group Consumer Reports found high amounts of sodium and elevated levels of heavy metals after an analysis of Lunchables and similar lunch kits. “The Lunchables and similar lunch kits we tested contain concerning levels of sodium and harmful chemicals that can lead to serious health problems over time,” Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports, said in a statement.
The USDA currently allows two Lunchables kits — Turkey & Cheddar Cracker Stackers and Extra Cheesy Pizza — to be served to nearly 30 million children through the National School Lunch Program. Consumer Reports (CR) tested store-bought Lunchables and similar kits and found lead, cadmium, or both in all. Lead and cadmium can cause developmental problems in children over time, even in small amounts.
CR also detected at least one type of phthalate in every kit it tested, except for Lunchables Extra Cheesy Pizza. Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, compounds that may mimic or interfere with hormones in the body, which can contribute to an increased risk of reproductive problems, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers.
In addition to the presence of heavy metals, CR also found high levels of sodium in these kits. They warn parents that, “Eating foods with too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure and lead to hypertension, which is a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. Kids with high sodium intakes are about 40 percent more likely to develop hypertension than those who have low sodium diets.”
Companies Defend Products
A spokesperson for Kraft Heinz defended the company’s 35-year-old brand to CBS News,
“Many of our Lunchables products are a good source of protein, offering nutrients through meats and cheeses. We’ve taken great steps to improve the nutrition profile of Lunchables, including recently unveiling Lunchables with Fresh Fruit, in partnership with Fresh Del Monte, and reducing the sodium in all Lunchables crackers by 26%,” the spokesperson stated in an email.
Warnings of Regular Consumption
Still, Consumer Reports and other nutrition experts warn that regular consumption of these products can be potentially dangerous to children’s health.
“We don’t think anybody should regularly eat these products, and they definitely shouldn’t be considered a healthy school lunch,” said Eric Boring, a CR chemist who led the testing.
The Consumer Reports petition requesting the USDA to remove Lunchables and similar products from the school lunch menu has currently reached over 18,000 signatures.
