Kraft Lunchables Lawsuit Claims Lead and Other Chemicals Hid in Popular Kids' Lunch Option

Popular pre-packaged lunch kits, Lunchables, are facing a meltdown. A new proposed class action lawsuit alleges Kraft Heinz, the manufacturer, hid potentially harmful chemicals – lead, cadmium, and phthalates – behind their colorful marketing. 

These allegations follow a concerning report by Consumer Reports that detected these the presence of these chemicals in several Lunchables varieties. Notably, the lead and cadmium levels were higher in Lunchables than any other tested prepackaged meal kit. 

Consumer Reports expressed significant concern about these harmful substances and the high sodium content. They concluded that Lunchables "shouldn't be considered a healthy school lunch" and recommended against regular consumption.

A lunchtime deception

Plaintiff Laura LaSpisa, on behalf of New York consumers, is suing Kraft Heinz for allegedly prioritizing profit over children's well-being. The proposed class action lawsuit claims Lunchables are marketed as fun and safe for kids, despite potentially containing lead, cadmium, and phthalates. 

LaSpisa, with two young sons who enjoyed Lunchables, trusted Kraft Heinz's marketing and believed them to be a safe and nutritious option.

Imagine trying to decide what's for lunch, only to realize the label isn't telling the whole story. That's the situation many parents face, according to the Lunchables lawsuit. The complaint highlights the alleged lack of transparency on Lunchables packaging. Devoid of warnings about the concerning chemicals found by Consumer Reports, the packaging portrays Lunchables as a healthy and trustworthy choice for parents. 

Consumers argue they lack the resources to easily determine if a product contains harmful substances. They rely on food manufacturers to be transparent about ingredients and potential risks, especially when marketing towards children.

The potential health risks of Kraft Lunchables

Lead, cadmium, and phthalates can be harmful, especially for young children. Even low levels of lead exposure can impact learning, focus, and academic achievement. The lawsuit cites the EPA's warnings about potential nervous system damage, learning disabilities, and stunted growth.

The Lunchables lawsuit also details the dangers of these chemicals. Children are particularly susceptible to cadmium's link to learning disabilities and ADHD. Phthalates, linked to hormonal disruptions and potential health risks, can also negatively impact a child's development.

According to the complaint, Consumer Reports was so concerned about the lead, cadmium, phthalates, and sodium levels in prepackaged meal kits such as Lunchables that it concluded “[w]e don’t think anybody should regularly eat these products, and they definitely shouldn’t be considered a healthy school lunch.” It also has called on the USDA to remove Lunchables food kits from the National School Lunch Program.

Kraft stays silent on safety

Yet, despite these findings and concerns, Kraft Heinz has yet to recall any Lunchables products or offer refunds to consumers. The company has also remained silent on the lawsuit, leaving parents wondering what's next for their kids' lunchtime staple.

“Despite its public commitment to improving the nutritional content of Lunchables, Kraft Heinz has betrayed the trust of parents by failing to identify and either remove or reduce more insidious ingredients lurking in the products: lead, cadmium, and phthalates,” the lawsuit states.

The Kraft Lunchables lead contamination lawsuit and the Consumer Reports findings raise serious concerns about the safety of certain Lunchables products. Additionally, the USDA may be pressured to re-evaluate Lunchables' eligibility for the school lunch program based on safety considerations.

Laspisa and the proposed class are represented by Jeffrey I. Carton and Catherine H. Friesen of Denlea & Carton LLP.

The Kraft Lunchables class action lawsuit is Laspisa et al v. Kraft Heinz Foods Company, Case No. 7:24-cv-02822-PMH, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.