Minneapolis St. Paul, MN, August 31, 2026 — A recent investigation by Consumer Reports has identified concerning levels of chemical contaminants in several packaged snack foods commonly marketed to children. The findings, which were also featured by KSTP’s “5 On Your Side” in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, focused on the presence of substances such as acrylamide and phthalates.

The study involved testing 21 different packaged snack products. According to the report, 14 of these products exhibited elevated levels of at least one of the contaminants examined. While a significant portion of the tested snacks contained higher-than-desired levels, the investigation also noted that some products met established safety standards.

Acrylamide is a chemical that can form in certain foods during high-temperature cooking processes, such as frying, roasting, or baking. Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more durable and are found in various consumer products, including food packaging. Their presence in food, particularly in items consumed by children, has been a subject of ongoing health and safety discussions.

The Consumer Reports investigation did not specify the exact names of the 21 products tested or provide detailed results for each individual item beyond the overall finding that 14 contained elevated levels. Information regarding the specific companies that produce these snacks or the precise quantities of contaminants found was not detailed in the summary of the investigation.

In light of these findings, the report offers guidance to parents on snack selection for children. The advisory emphasizes the importance of prioritizing moderation, offering a variety of snack options, and incorporating whole foods into a child’s diet as a general strategy for healthier snacking. The specific duration or timeline of the investigation was not provided.


Story summarized from the original created by Joseph Swanson on kstp.com, see more information here.

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