“Healthier” Lunchables for Schools Still Aren’t Very Healthy
This could be an expensive reverse-course if it happens . . .
Kraft Heinz owns the brand Lunchables, those little trays of cheese and crackers we’ve been feeding kids since the late ’80s. And last year, they finally got public schools to start serving them.
It was big news for their bottom line. But they had to jump through some hoops first. Namely, Lunchables aren’t as healthy as some parents might think.
They had to develop two new versions to meet school cafeteria guidelines. Both pack more protein and whole grains than the kind sold in stores.
But now the whole thing could be in jeopardy because the cafeteria versions still aren’t very healthy. They actually have more sodium.
“Consumer Reports” tested a bunch of different Lunchables and found a ton of chemicals, as well as relatively high amounts of LEAD. (!!!) It’s not enough to exceed what’s allowed, but it’s not great press.
The Department of Agriculture oversees the meal program in public schools. “Consumer Reports” is now petitioning them to remove the snacks from cafeterias nationwide. They say “minor changes” were made to help Lunchables “squeak by” the regulations.
Quote, “Lunchables are not a healthy option for kids and shouldn’t be allowed on the menu as part of the National School Lunch Program. [They] contain concerning levels of sodium and harmful chemicals that can lead to serious health problems over time.”
Kraft Heinz says the whole thing is overblown and that Lunchables are a “good source of protein.”
Quote, “All our foods meet strict safety standards that we happily feed to our own families. We are proud of Lunchables and stand by the quality and integrity that goes into making them.”
(Consumer Reports / People / CNN / CBS News)
