Just one year after the school lunch menu was included in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), it is being removed from school lunch menus across the country after testing positive for lead and other toxic substances.
The prepackaged snacks, manufactured by Kraft Heinz and sold under the Oscar Mayer brand, were introduced to public schools during the 2023-2024 school year. reported.
“We've increased protein and whole grains, reduced saturated fat and sodium, and increased portion sizes to keep kids energized throughout the day,” Kraft Heinz spokeswoman Jenna Thornton told the outlet last March. He said he would provide schools with “special recipes.”
The company ended up offering two options: Turkey & Cheddar Cracker Stacker and Extra Cheese Pizza. All are cold meals wrapped in plastic that feature small crackers and toppings.
on wednesday statement to USA TodayKraft Heinz has confirmed that Lunchables is withdrawing from NSLP.
“Last year, we provided two NSLP-compliant lunch menus to schools that increased protein,” the company said. “Many school administrators were excited to have these options, but demand did not meet our goals.”
“Things like this happen from time to time across our broad portfolio, especially as we seek new distribution channels,” Kraft-Heinz added.
The move comes after nonprofit Consumer Reports tested school lunches and found high levels of lead, cadmium, phthalates, and even more sodium than those found in grocery stores. It was done.
The group is petition In April, the company asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to remove Lunchables from the NSLP after discovering toxic substances.
“…all but one kit (Lunchables Extra Cheesy Pizza) contains plastic chemicals phthalates, which are known hormone disruptors that can contribute to reproductive problems, diabetes, and an increased risk of certain cancers.” ,” Consumer Reports said in its petition.
“Even in small amounts, lead and cadmium can cause developmental problems in children, and the risk increases over time with regular exposure,” the research group explained. “Eating too much sodium can also lead to high blood pressure. About 14 percent of children and teens have prehypertension or hypertension.”
Consumer Reports celebrated the elimination of Lunchables from school lunches, and Food Policy Director Brian Ronholm said in a statement, “We are pleased that Heinz Kraft has withdrawn Lunchables from the school lunch program.”
“The Department of Agriculture should maintain stricter eligibility standards for school lunch programs so that the millions of children who rely on them get the healthier options they deserve. ” he added.
Former Dr. Mark Hyman medical advisor He told Bill and Hillary Clinton that the decision was a “victory for public health.”
“Consumer Reports notes high levels of sodium and lead, both of which are harmful to children's brain development. There is no place for junk food in schools. Demand real food for all children. The time has come,” he wrote to X.
new york times Vani Hari, a best-selling author and prominent food industry commentator, also spoke positively about the decision.
“School lunches are being removed from schools. Kraft Heinz sees the writing on the wall. We can't stop ourselves. The addiction of our children needs to end now.” she wrote on X, tagging former presidential candidate and health activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
