On April 11th Consumer Reports issued a statement about the popular lunch kits, Lunchables (prepackaged boxes of deli meat, cheese, and crackers marketed mostly for children.) Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports, stated “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. The USDA should remove Lunchables from the National School Lunch Program and ensure that kids in schools have healthier options.”
What relevance does this have for seniors?
Those reading who are grandparents may be well aware of these popular meal kits, which are now served to students in many states as part of the national school lunch program. Thos without grandchildren still are involved as taxpayers; in 2022 the school lunch program cost the United States federal government about $29.1 billion.
Many have found the Consumer Report alarming, with tests findings that “lunch kits and some similar ones from Armour, Oscar Mayer, and others contained lead and other contaminants, and most were high in sodium.” Specific levels detected of both lead and sodium are detailed in this CR report: (www.consumerreports.org/health/lunch-and-snack-packs/should-you-pack-lunchables-for-your-kids-school-lunch-a1165583878)
It should be noted that none of the kits tested exceeded any legal or regulatory limit, but the concern Consumer Report voiced was that exposure to lead is cumulative and repeated intake increases risk, especially with increased exposure through additional food and beverage beyond the snack meal. Even in small amounts, lead and cadmium can cause developmental problems in children.
The lunch kits also contain high level of sodium
Cheese, processed meats, and crackers or pizza—the main foods in these kits—are some of the highest-sodium foods in the American diet. Consuming too much sodium can increase blood pressure and lead to hypertension. About 14 percent of children and teens have prehypertension or hypertension, according to a study published in the American Journal of Hypertension in 2021.
Fiber, fruits and vegetables are missing
The latest Dietary Guidelines say that low intake of fiber—found only in fruits and vegetables and other plant foods—is a dietary component of public health concern. The Food Lunch Program now requires at least one vegetable, but this can be as minimal as a package of ketchup, with no other vegetable or fruit in the lunch kit.
Kraft Heinz, the parent company for Lunchables, has not indicated any effort to now recall or reformulate the lunch kits, stating “All our foods meet strict safety standards.”
Popularity and convenience are important factors
Marketing campaigns for lunch kits have been successful, as a trip to any supermarket will prove with large, refrigerated sections filled with many varieties of colorful food kits. Children know and love them. They are also popular with some parents due to their convenience, although the price (a little under $2.00 to $4.00) can be an issue.
The value of convenience and popularity versus health and safety concerns over meal kits and other ultra processed foods will continue. It will be up to the consumer, especially the beleaguered parent (or grandparent), to determine whether they go in the shopping cart or on the school tray — or not.
