(Gray News) – According to Consumer Reports, lunch menus and similar lunch kits contain relatively high levels of lead, cadmium, sodium, and harmful phthalates.

“Lunch menu items are not healthy options for children and should not be allowed on menus as part of the National School Lunch Program,” said Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports. Ta. “Lunchables and similar lunch kits we tested contain worrying levels of sodium and harmful chemicals that can cause serious health problems over time. ”

The group said lunchables and similar products from Armor Lunchmakers, Good & Gather, Greenfield Natural Meat Company and Oscar Mayer contained lead, cadmium, or both. . None of the kits exceeded federal standards, but five of the 12 kits tested exceeded 50% or more of California’s maximum allowable levels for lead or cadmium, which are currently the most protective standards. You may be exposed.

Even small amounts of lead and cadmium can cause developmental problems in children over time.

The group also detected at least one type of phthalate in every kit tested, except for Lunchables Extra Cheese Pizza. According to the group, phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, compounds that can mimic or interfere with hormones in the body, leading to reproductive problems, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain health conditions. It is said that this may contribute to an increased risk of

Sodium concentrations in the kits tested ranged from 460 to 740 milligrams per serving, which is about a quarter to half of the recommended daily sodium limit for children. The group says eating foods high in sodium can lead to high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart disease, stroke and kidney damage.

According to Consumer Reports, the Department of Agriculture now allows Turkey & Cheddar Cracker Stacker and Extra Cheese Pizza lunch kits to be provided to nearly 30 million children through the National School Lunch Program. To meet the program’s standards, Kraft Heinz added more whole grains and protein to the kits compared to those sold in stores.

Consumer Reports has launched a petition asking the USDA to remove Lunchables from the National School Lunch Program to ensure children have healthier options at school.

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