Campaign to ban Lunchables from free school meals as report shows they contain toxic METALS

Analysis of a popular children’s snack has sparked a campaign to ban it after it was found to contain dangerous levels of toxic metals that have been linked to kidney and bone disease and cancer.

The watchdog group Consumer Reports tested 12 store-bought versions of Lunchables and other ready-meal kits, including from Armor LunchMakers, Good & Gather, Greenfield Natural Meat Co. and Oscar Mayer.

They all contain the metals lead, cadmium, or both, as well as high levels of sodium. According to the CDC, there is no safe lead level for children and the effects on brain development can become apparent years later.

Lead accumulates in the body, meaning it does not leave your system and builds up over time, so long-term exposure to even low levels can become toxic.

As a result, the nonprofit consumer group has petitioned the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which directs the federally supported school meal program, to remove Lunchables snack packs from school cafeterias.

Lunchables are made by Kraft Heinz, which last year launched the school version of the snack packs in elementary school lunchrooms across the U.S.: Lunchables Turkey and Cheddar Cracker Stackers and Lunchables Extra Cheesy Pizza

“Lunchables are not a healthy option for children and should not be on the menu as part of the National School Lunch Program,” said Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports.

“The Lunchables and similar box lunches we tested contained high levels of sodium and harmful chemicals that could lead to serious health problems over time.”

“The USDA should remove Lunchables from the National School Lunch Program and ensure children in schools have healthier options,” he added.

Lunchables developed two new versions of its kit last year specifically for school lunch programs in the US, but the new report shows that they contain even more salt than the Lunchables kits that customers can get at grocery stores.

The school cafeteria version of the Lunchables was found to contain between 460 and 740 milligrams per serving, which is “nearly a quarter to a half of a child’s daily recommended amount of sodium” — no more than 1,500 mg per day for four to eight hours. years old.

Consumer Reports found that the Turkey and Cheddar Lunchables variety contained 930 mg of sodium, while the store-bought version contained 740 mg.

None of the kits tested exceeded any federal limits, but five of the 12 kits exceeded California’s maximum allowable dose level (MADL) for lead or cadmium, which was used because there are no federal limits for heavy metals in most foods. most protective available.

Children are at greater risk than adults because a smaller amount of lead can have a greater effect on health.

A review of 17 studies found that lead exposure early in life is linked to a higher risk of criminal behavior in adulthood.

*Also contains more than 50 percent of the maximum allowable dose for cadmium in California, based on Consumer Reports testing

Consumer Reports found that the Turkey and Cheddar Lunchables variety contained 930 mg of sodium, while the store-bought version contained 740 mg of sodium.

The metal is toxic to the body and has been linked to a host of health problems, including kidney disease, infertility and delays in mental development.

Lead travels through the bloodstream and builds up in soft tissue, such as the kidneys, liver and lungs, which can lead to problems for these organs over time.

The majority of people will not have any obvious symptoms of lead exposure at first.

Over time, this can lead to lower IQ, reduced ability to pay attention and underachievement in school for children, behavioral problems and learning disabilities.

Lunchables are made by Kraft Heinz, which last year launched the school version of the snack packs in elementary school lunchrooms across the U.S. through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP): Lunchables Turkey and Cheddar Cracker Stackers and Lunchables Extra Cheesy Pizza.

The NSLP provides lunches to nearly 30 million students every day at public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care settings.