A new Consumer Reports investigation reveals concerning levels of chemicals like acrylamide and phthalates in 14 out of 21 top children’s snacks, prompting calls for regulatory action and more mindful parenting.
Packaged snacks can make life easier for parents, but new testing from Consumer Reports suggests some popular children’s products may also carry hidden risks. The organisation said it examined 21 snacks commonly marketed to children and found that 14 contained concerning levels of at least one chemical contaminant, most often acrylamide or phthalates.
Acrylamide can form naturally when foods are cooked or processed at high temperatures. Consumer Reports said it found worrying amounts in a range of products, including granola bars, chips, pretzels and graham crackers. Phthalates, which can enter food from packaging and equipment during manufacturing, were detected at concerning levels in Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies Original, Chocolate Chip Z Bars and Slim Jim Mild Snack Size Sticks.
The findings come after earlier Consumer Reports testing this summer flagged high levels of additives and contaminants in processed snack foods more broadly. In the newer children’s-focused review, the group said seven products stayed below its level of concern across all tests, including Pirate’s Booty cheese puffs, Welch’s fruit snacks and Frigo string cheese. Food-safety site Food Safety published details of the sampling, saying Consumer Reports bought three samples of each product anonymously at retail and sent them to an accredited laboratory.
Consumer Brands Association pushed back in a statement to Consumer Reports, saying many of the substances cited occur naturally in foods such as fruits, vegetables and grains, or can form during preparation. Still, Consumer Reports says parents can only do so much to limit exposure and argues manufacturers and regulators should work to reduce contaminants before products reach shop shelves. Its advice to families is simple: use processed snacks in moderation, vary what children eat and rely on whole foods or homemade options when possible.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
