Popular Snacks for Children Contain Dangerous Levels of Lead, Cadmium
April 11th, 2024Via: Daily Mail:
Analysis of a popular kids’ favorite snack has prompted a campaign to ban it after it was found it contained dangerous levels of toxic metals which have been linked to kidney and bone disease and cancer.
The watchdog group Consumer Reports tested 12 store-bought versions of Lunchables and other ready-meal kits, including from Armour LunchMakers, Good & Gather, Greenfield Natural Meat Co. and Oscar Mayer.
All had contained the metals lead, cadmium, or both, as well as high levels of sodium. According to the CDC, there is no safe level of lead for children, and the effects on brain development can show up years later.
Lead accumulates in the body, meaning it does not leave your system and builds up over time, so long-term exposure to even low levels can become toxic.
As a result, the non-profit consumer group has petitioned the US Department of Agriculture, which heads up the federally assisted school meal program, to get rid of the Lunchables snack kits from school cafeterias.
