A recent analysis by Consumer Reports has revealed concerning findings regarding Lunchables and similar prepackaged lunch kits. These convenient yet heavily processed meal options, comprising deli meats, crackers, and cheese, are popular among children and are even included in some school lunch programs.
However, the analysis conducted by Consumer Reports indicates potential safety issues with these products. Testing of 12 variations of Lunchables, including those from brands like Oscar Mayer, Armour LunchMakers, and Good & Gather (Target), uncovered elevated levels of sodium, lead, cadmium, and phthalates, which are chemicals used in plastic manufacturing and may disrupt the endocrine system.
Although none of the lunch kits exceeded legal limits, some contained lead levels approaching 74% of California’s maximum allowable dose level (MADL), and sodium levels reaching up to 50% of the U.S. Dietary Guideline recommendations for 4- to 8-year-old children. Five out of the 12 products tested had lead or cadmium levels surpassing 50% of California’s MADL.
Consumer Reports highlights that while one Lunchables kit provides only a small portion of a child’s daily caloric needs, consuming one could bring a child close to the daily maximum limit for lead exposure. Additionally, every lunch kit tested, except for Lunchables Extra Cheesy Pizza, contained phthalates at levels up to 7,412 nanograms per serving.
Although the nutritional information and ingredients of school lunch program versions of Lunchables were not directly tested, they were found to have higher sodium levels compared to store-bought versions.
In response to these findings, Kraft Heinz and Maple Leaf Foods, the parent company of Greenfield Natural Meat, are working to reduce the sodium content in their lunch and snack kits. However, Kraft Heinz and Smithfield Foods, manufacturer of Armour LunchMakers, maintain that their products meet strict safety standards and that lead and cadmium occur naturally in the environment.
Consumer Reports has petitioned the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to remove Lunchables from the National School Lunch Program in favor of healthier options, garnering over 18,164 signatures as of April 15.