Let's get Lunchables out of the school lunch program!
Consumer Reports' latest tests found store-bought Lunchables and similar lunch kits contain relatively high amounts of lead, cadmium, and sodium. And all but one of the kits tested positive for the plastic chemical phthalate, linked to reproductive problems, diabetes and certain cancers.
Yet, two Lunchables kits similar to the ones found to be high in heavy metals are eligible to be served to nearly 30 million kids each day through the National School Lunch Program!
Even in small amounts, lead and cadmium can cause developmental problems in children, with risks increasing from regular exposure over time. While none of the kits exceeded any federal limit, five of the 12 tested products would expose someone to 50 percent or more of California's maximum allowable dose level for lead or cadmium – currently the most protective standard. And since processed meats, cheese, and crackers (the mainstay of Lunchables) are among the highest sodium foods, they took up nearly a quarter to half of a child's daily limit for sodium.
America's kids deserve better choices. Sign our petition to the USDA to take steps now to make sure these Lunchables aren't eligible for the school lunch program.
We urge the USDA to take the needed steps to ensure Lunchables processed food kits are not eligible for the National School Lunch Program – and give our nation's school children healthier food choices. New tests from Consumer Reports found that store-bought Lunchables had relatively high amounts of lead, cadmium, and sodium. And all but one kit (Lunchables Extra Cheesy Pizza) contained the plastic chemical phthalate, a known hormone disruptor that can contribute to an increased risk of reproductive problems, diabetes and certain cancers.
Even in small amounts, lead and cadmium can cause developmental problems in children, with risks increasing from regular exposure over time. And eating too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure: about 14 percent of children and teens have prehypertension or hypertension. Please take the necessary steps to ensure these processed food kits aren't eligible for the lunch program, and offer our children healthier choices.
