Report sparks heated debate on Lunchables

Kraft Heinz calls study on product ‘misleading’

Lunchables are “stackable as they are snackable,” according to the website for the prepackaged meals, but a recent report is causing some parents to doubt whether their children should be eating them.

Consumer Reports has called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to remove Lunchables from the National School Lunch Program because of “higher levels of sodium” and “high levels of lead” in the food kits.

“Lunchables are not a healthy option for kids and shouldn’t be allowed on the menu as part of the National School Lunch Program,” Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports, which launched a petition to the USDA, said in the release. “The Lunchables and similar lunch kits we tested contain concerning levels of sodium and harmful chemicals that can lead to serious health problems over time.”

Here’s what to know.

Kraft Heinz calls study ‘misleading’

In a statement emailed to USA TODAY, Kraft Heinz, owner of Lunchables, said: “We are extremely disappointed with the reporting from Consumer Reports and believe the results of their study are misleading, causing undue concern over the safety of our products.

“The fact is that all Lunchables products meet strict safety standards set by government agencies,” Kraft Heinz said. “Consumer Reports admits that none of the food they tested exceeded any legal or regulatory limits, but they chose to bury that fact.”

In Consumer Reports’ reporting on metals, the results of the study are based on California’s maximum allowable dose for heavy metals, the Chicago, Illinois-headquartered food company said.

All Kraft Heinz’s products, including Lunchables, “tested well below the acceptable limits,” according to the company.

“The metals they focus on are naturally occurring, and thus low levels may be present in any food product,” Kraft Heinz said. “We do not add these elements to our products.”

Kraft Heinz maintains that the “National School Lunch Program-approved Lunchables adhere to all USDA standards,” according to the statement.

“We increased the amount of meat in the products to increase protein levels and help fuel kids throughout the day,” the food company said. “With more meat comes naturally elevated levels of sodium to ensure safe preservation of the product. It’s worth reiterating that Consumer Reports did not test our school products.”

Kraft Heinz said it is proud of the product.

“By offering Lunchables in schools, we’re able to help meet schools’ needs by giving them affordable, convenient solutions that provide students with quality nutrition at lunchtime,” the company said. “We’ve received feedback that products like Lunchables are more trusted by school administrators due to our strict food safety and quality guarantee. We see our work with schools as a solution to valid struggles schools may face.”

Are Lunchables being recalled?

Lunchables have not been recalled. Consumer Reports is suggesting to the USDA that the snack kits be removed from the National School Lunch Program.

Kraft Heinz would have to voluntarily initiate a recall of Lunchables, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

In some situations, the FDA can request or mandate a recall, but the federal agency has not done so for Lunchables. If it did, any violation could be corrected and Lunchables would return to the marketplace, according to the FDA’s website.

Lunchables also do not appear on the FDA’s enforcement reports for April.

Are Lunchables healthy?

Maya Feller, a registered dietitian and nutritionist who worked with New York City Public Schools, said she’s concerned about the “regular inclusion of Lunchables and Lunchable-type kits” because they’re not “nutrient-dense options” for students, according to an interview with ABC News.

“The high sodium content is definitely of concern, especially from a young age,” Feller said. “The health risks associated with high and chronic consumption of added salts are well documented.”

From Feller’s clinical experience, she would like to see more “nutrient-dense plant-forward options” in schools, especially meals with less added sugars, saturated fats and added salts, ABC News reported.

Though many may be skeptical of picking up a Lunchable, the FDA says, it is “not possible to completely prevent lead from entering the food supply.”

Although it’s impossible to prevent lead in food, it is food manufacturers’ legal responsibility to “significantly minimize or prevent chemical hazards when needed,” according to the FDA.