Target: Tom Vilsack, Secretary of U.S. Department of Agriculture
Goal: Determine suitability of Lunchables meal kits as integral components of school lunch programs.
One of America’s leading consumer advocacy groups is taking aim at a popular lunchtime staple. Consumer Reports has called on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to remove Kraft Heinz’ Lunchables meal kits from free or reduced school lunch offerings. The group claims recent studies have uncovered troubling findings that could render Lunchables unhealthy for kids.
Specifically, Consumer Reports has called attention to the high amounts of sodium (sometimes more than half of daily recommended allowances) found in Lunchables available in schools. Perhaps more concerning is the reportedly high occurrence of known carcinogens like cadmium as well as other potentially dangerous substances such as lead and “everywhere chemicals” in 12 tested Lunchables kits. While the Lunchables parent company claims it has added healthier ingredients like fresh fruits and whole grain, many consumer advocates and registered dieticians still believe the meal kits pose an undue risk to young people.
To date, USDA leaders have taken a hands-off approach, claiming they are primarily focused on a meal’s nutritional value. Sign the petition below to urge this agency to look more deeply into the safety concerns associated with meals available to millions of school children.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Secretary Vilsack,
The unveiling of Lunchables meal kits at schools nationwide has been met with criticism. At least one consumer advocacy group has brought to your attention studies reportedly linking the meal kits to concerning levels of lead, cadmium, and other potentially harmful substances. In the case of lead, no amount is apparently safe for consumption by children.
You claim that you take seriously your responsibility to “ensure school meals are of the highest nutritional quality.” Should safety concerns not play a crucial role in this decision-making? Please evaluate these concerns with due diligence and consider every potential remedy, whether the answer be kit alterations or outright bans as requested by Consumer Reports.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Katerina Holmes
It’s about time school lunches are scrutinized. Usually we allow the big corporations to do as they wish hopping they will use foods to benefit a young, growing body, but as usual they look to the profits. Corporations, especially the large ones, need to bet under a microscope to be fairly certain they are playing by our rules. If not … good bye.