"Consumer Reports Urges Removal of Lunchables from School Menus Due to Concerning Chemicals"

Consumer Reports is petitioning the USDA to ban Lunchables from school lunchrooms due to high sodium levels and concerns over harmful chemicals. The specially-formulated versions for the National School Lunch Program were found to contain higher sodium levels and potentially harmful additives. The advocacy organization also expressed concern over the presence of toxic metals and "everyday chemicals" in various ultraprocessed lunch kits, including lead and cadmium, though these levels were below federal limits. The USDA's decision to include Kraft Heinz's Lunchables in the program conflicts with proposed nutrition guidelines for reduced sodium levels in school lunches.