The case against Lunchables: Ultra-processed food poses risks for kids | Mark Mahoney

I have written on the detrimental effects of ultra-processed foods in past columns and how consuming an inordinate amount of these foods can lead to health problems which are often preventable by consuming a well-balanced diet.

The new documentary film, "Food Inc. 2” notes that 60% of our caloric intake comes from ultra-processed foods.

The latest figures for childhood obesity are alarming. Some 20% of our children are obese. According to the Child Policy Research Center (cincinnatichildrens.org) and 33.1% of children are overweight or obese in Florida.

Food and nutrition: Still processing: Evidence piles up against ready-to-eat food | Mark Mahoney

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that obese children and adolescents were around five times more likely to be obese in adulthood than those who were not obese. Around 55% of obese children go on to be obese in adolescence, around 80% of obese adolescents will still be obese in adulthood and around 70% will be obese over age 30.

Recent reports on the marketing of a product called Lunchables, as well as their purchase by families and their use in school nutrition programs, has raised alarm bells across the country. Today’s column will help to reveal some significant ongoing issues with this product.

"Lunchables are ultra-processed junk foods for kids,” said Marion Nestle, a retired professor of nutrition, food studies and public health at New York University.

Lobbying by big food companies

Consumer Reports’ findings follow a Washington Post investigation last year that showed how powerful food companies get ultra-processed foods such as Lunchables to qualify for the National School Lunch Program through years of extensive lobbying to lower government nutrition standards.

Two versions of Lunchables custom-made for schools were added to the National School Lunch Program last year, despite outcry from many nutrition experts.

As the Washington Post article reports, Kraft Heinz added more protein and whole grain to the reformulated Turkey and Cheddar Cracker Stacker Lunchables — but also increased sodium.

Big food companies have argued that pizza sauce and french fries should count as vegetables — which is now the case — and beat back almost all regulation of children’s food advertising.

The case against Lunchables:

The advocacy group, Consumer Reports is calling for the removal of Lunchables from school trays across the country after discovering high levels of lead and sodium and a potentially harmful chemical in their packaging in products sold in stores.

Testing by Consumer Reports found that store-bought Lunchables and similar lunch kits tested contained concerning levels of sodium and lead, harmful chemicals that can lead to serious health problems over time.

Elevated lead levels have been linked for decades to developmental problems in children. High sodium levels such as those found in Lunchables have the potential to increase children’s risk of developing high blood pressure.

The testing also found phthalates — chemicals used in plastics — in the packaging of some of the Kraft Heinz store-bought items they tested. Phthalates are linked to health concerns involving hormone disruption.

Some final thoughts on Lunchables

According to a statement by Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports, “The USDA should remove Lunchables from the National School Lunch Program and ensure that enrolled kids should have healthier options.

Furthermore, Ronholm said Consumer Reports’ findings reinforced the necessity of strong school lunch standards making sure children have access to healthy foods while their brains are developing.

As a long-time advocate for less processed foods, the utilization of Lunchables in either the school lunch program or as a part of a child’s diet should be discouraged. The role of parents should be one of modeling good habits for their children and being consumer savvy to the marketing of such unhealthy products like Lunchables (or other ultra-processed foods.)

Let’s be advocates for our kids and give them the best chance for the best quality of life possible by becoming knowledgeable advocates for them.

Additional information

The Washington Post investigation, “How Lunchables ended up on school lunch trays” is described at the link: Weak rules allow ultra-processed foods like Lunchables on school menus - Washington Post

A new study offers hints that healthier school lunches may help reduce obesity. See the report at npr.org.

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has a description relevant to childhood obesity at cdc.gov.

Check out America’s Health Rankings for data about youth who are overweight or obese in Florida at americashealthrankings.org.

A summary description of the new documentary film, Food, Inc. 2, which speaks to the danger of ultra-processed foods, is available at the New York Times link at nytimes.com.

Mark A. Mahoney, Ph.D. has been a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist for over 35 years and completed graduate studies in Nutrition & Public Health at Columbia University. He can be reached at marqos69@hotmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Case against Lunchables: Ultra-processed 'junk food' poses risks