Mike Mozart CC BY 2.0 DEED, via Flickr, Cropped by Resist the Mainstream

A recent warning from a consumer watchdog group has shed light on concerning levels of lead and sodium in the popular children's snack, Lunchables.

Consumer Reports' (CR) testing of 12 store-bought versions of Lunchables, produced by Kraft Heinz, revealed “relatively high levels of lead and cadmium” in the kits.

Cadmium, a chemical element associated with adverse effects on the kidney, skeletal, and respiratory systems, is classified as a human carcinogen by the World Health Organization. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also emphasize that there is no safe level of lead for children.

CR's investigation also unveiled alarming sodium levels in the kits, ranging from 460 milligrams to 740 milligrams per serving. These levels represent nearly a quarter to half of a child's daily recommended limit for sodium.

CR discovered that all but one of the kits contained harmful phthalates, chemicals found in plastics that have been linked to reproductive issues, diabetes, and some cancers.

Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports, voiced strong concerns, stating, “Lunchables are not a healthy option for kids and shouldn’t be allowed on the menu as part of the National School Lunch Program.”

CR initiated a petition urging the USDA to remove Lunchables from the program, citing the kits' concerning sodium levels and presence of harmful chemicals.

Children with high sodium intakes face an increased risk of developing hypertension, which in turn elevates the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.

CR's petition to remove Lunchables from the National School Lunch Program has garnered significant support, amassing over 12,000 signatures as of Tuesday night.

The USDA emphasized its commitment to ensuring the nutritional quality of school meals in light of these concerns. However, they clarified that individual food items are not explicitly allowed or disallowed, as the agency's requirements address the overall content of meals.

The USDA currently permits two Lunchables kits—Turkey & Cheddar Cracker Stackers and Extra Cheesy Pizza—to be served to nearly 30 million children through the National School Lunch Program.

A spokesperson noted that Lunchables products referenced by CR would need to be paired with fruits, vegetables, and milk, and stressed the agency's support for schools seeking to incorporate more scratch-cooked and local foods.

Kraft Heinz adjusted the nutritional content of these kits to meet program requirements, incorporating more whole grains and protein compared to their store-bought counterparts.

A spokesperson for Kraft Heinz highlighted the nutritional benefits of Lunchables, emphasizing their role as a “good source of protein” and their compliance with strict safety standards. The spokesperson pointed to a 26 percent reduction in sodium levels in the crackers as evidence of efforts to improve the kits' nutrition profiles.

CR detected at least one type of phthalate in every kit tested, except for Lunchables Extra Cheesy Pizza. Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, with potential links to reproductive problems, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers.

“Our food supply is poison,” Scott Adams said on X following the news.

One of the replies on his post said, “At this point you really should strive to find as basic ingredients as you can for your food. The whole system is rotten.”