Petition demands USDA action after lead is detected in Lunchables [Video]

Consumer Reports has launched a petition to the U.S. Department of Agriculture to remove Lunchables from the list of allowable school lunches after testing products for levels of lead, sodium and other chemicals. 

The petition followed a report that tested 12 varieties of store-bought prepackaged school lunches, like Lunchables, Armour LunchMakers and Oscar Mayer P3 Portable Protein Packs. 

Kraft Heinz began making two varieties of Lunchables that meet federal school lunch requirements for K-8 students in 2023. Turkey and cheese Lunchables, as well as the extra cheesy pizza variety, are available to schools. These varieties differ from the ones available in stores, Kraft Heinz said at the time. 

Consumer Reports said that consumption of lead and high levels of sodium in food could cause significant health problems. 

“We urge you to remove Lunchables processed food kits from the National School Lunch Program and give our nation’s school children healthier food choices,” the petition to the USDA reads. “New tests from Consumer Reports found that …