Consumer Reports has recently found concerning levels of lead and other heavy metals in three types of Lunchables sold in stores. The popular lunch kits, manufactured by Kraft Heinz, were flagged for their high salt content as well, which could exceed daily recommended limits for children.
In response to the findings, Kraft Heinz has called the report “misleading” and assured customers that all Lunchables products meet strict safety standards set by government agencies. However, experts are still worried about the highly processed nature of Lunchables and recommend against considering them a healthy school lunch option.
Consumer Reports has even gone as far as to file a petition urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to remove Lunchables from the National School Lunch Program due to their sodium content. While the specific Lunchables distributed in schools were not tested, Consumer Reports warned that they could potentially have even higher salt levels than the versions sold in stores.
Despite the push for healthier food choices in schools, Kraft Heinz stands by their products, stating that Lunchables approved for schools adhere to USDA standards and provide quality nutrition for students. The USDA focuses on the overall content of school meals rather than individual food items but also requires a balance of sodium levels across different meal offerings.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has noted that there is no known safe level of exposure to lead in food and recommends eating a balanced, nutrient-dense diet to prevent repeated exposure from a specific food. As concerns over the safety and nutritional value of Lunchables continue to grow, Consumer Reports remains firm in their petition for the removal of the popular lunch kits from schools.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
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