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The ‘5 worst packaged lunchbox meals’
A Washington D.C.-based non-profit organization, The Cancer Project, today, April 2 released a report on what it calls “The Five Worst Packaged Lunchbox Meals” and an accompanying news release on its findings.
But a spokeswoman for Oscar Meyer — whose Lunchables placed three packaged meals on the Cancer Project’s “worst-five” list — said her company is no longer producing the two “worst” Lunchable products on the group’s list, and she added that Oscar Mayer is in the process of overhauling the Lunchables lineup to include many healthier choices.
The Cancer Project describes itself as an “independent, separately incorporated affiliate of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine” that “advances cancer prevention and survival through nutrition education and research.” The non-profit organizations has also released reports on the “Unhealthiest Super Bowl Party Foods” and the “Five Unhealthiest ‘Value Menu’ Items.”
Here’s an excerpt from the group’s most recent news release:
WASHINGTON—The Lunchables Maxed Out Cracker Combo Ham and Cheddar from Oscar Meyer is the most unhealthful packaged lunchbox meal, according to a new analysis by dietitians with the nonprofit Cancer Project. The LunchBoxers Pizza from Norwegian Jake’s and the LunchMakers Bologna Cracker Crunchers from Armour-Eckrich are among the other items singled out in the report “The Five Worst Packaged Lunchbox Meals.”
To compile the report, Cancer Project dietitians reviewed nutrition information for nearly 60 packaged lunchbox meals offered by major food companies. The five most unhealthful items were ranked from worst to least bad. Lunchables Maxed Out Ham and Cheddar Cracker Combo topped the list because it has 22 grams of fat, 50 milligrams of cholesterol, and 1,600 milligrams of sodium—more salt than younger children should consume in an entire day.
The report found that most packaged lunchbox meals have little or no fiber and are high in fat, sugar, sodium, and cholesterol. Many also contain processed meats, which are linked to increased cancer risk later in life.
“Packaged lunches might be convenient, but these high-fat, high-salt products can be hard on your kid’s health,” says Cancer Project dietitian Krista Haynes, R.D., L.D. “Most Lunchables and other packaged lunch meals are packed with saturated fat and cholesterol. The only way to get significant fiber from these products would be to eat the box.”
The report itself is equally blunt — and it certainly names names:
Although Oscar Mayer’s Lunchables and similar packaged lunches seem like cheap and convenient options, many pack a hidden cost. These products are often high in fat and cholesterol and contain processed meats, high-fat dairy products, and other unhealthful items that contribute to childhood obesity and raise the risk of chronic diseases later in life.
Syd Lindner — spokeswoman for Oscar Mayer, a division of Kraft Foods and the maker of Lunchables — said the number one and number two products identified as “worst” by The Cancer Project are part of a “Maxed Out” line that have been discontinued, although she said some product may still be on store shelves.
“We stopped (making those) in the fall,” Lindner said. “We’re making some pretty significant changes to the Lunchables line.”
The company is preparing to launch a new line of Lunchables by the time the 2009-2010 school year starts that includes ingredients such as whole grains, lean meats and fruit. Lindner described the new products as “just like the foods kids would bring from home.”
The Cancer Project report says packaged lunchbox meals are a multimillion-dollar industry and says Oscar Mayer commands 85 percent of the $750 million market.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: Food and health
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By Jeremy
July 3, 2009 3:41 AM | Link to this
The didn’t have to discontinue them! Those were still a favorite snack of mine even as an adult! Stupid health food people! They already take fun away from kids as it is!
By greg
April 6, 2009 5:58 PM | Link to this
My crap food has a first name it’s O.S.C.A.R., my crap food has a second name it’s M.A.Y.E.R.
By April
April 2, 2009 8:51 PM | Link to this
My mom always packed my lunch…a sandwich, chips, juice, etc. We rarely got any kind of dessert.