Randy Chandler
In 2017, a study by the Coalition for Safer Food Processing and Packaging found high concentrations of phthalates, a family of chemicals used in soaps, plastics, adhesives, and fragrances, in the cheese powder of boxed macaroni and cheese. The study evaluated 30 cheese products, including nine Kraft products, and found phthalates in 29 of them. While Kraft has denied adding phthalates to their products, the presence of these chemicals in food, especially one popular with children, has raised concerns about potential health risks, especially for vulnerable groups.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Presence of Phthalates | Yes, according to a 2017 study by the Coalition for Safer Food Processing & Packaging |
| Phthalate Concentration | High, particularly in the cheese powder |
| Number of Samples Tested | 30 cheese products, including 10 boxed macaroni and cheese powders, 5 sliced cheese products, and 15 natural cheese products |
| Kraft's Response | "We do not add phthalates to our products. The trace amounts that were reported in this limited study are more than 1,000 times lower than levels that scientific authorities have identified as acceptable." |
| Peer Review Status | The study has not been published in a peer-reviewed journal |
| Health Risks | Potentially harmful, particularly for children and pregnant women. Linked to hormonal changes, lower sperm count, birth defects, obesity, diabetes, thyroid irregularities, behavioural issues, and brain development problems. |
| Regulation | The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not banned phthalates in food, but faces pressure to address the issue |
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What You'll Learn
Kraft's response to phthalate concerns
Kraft has been criticised for its lack of response to concerns about phthalates in its macaroni and cheese products. In 2017, the Coalition for Safer Food Processing and Packaging published a report that found high concentrations of phthalates in ten varieties of macaroni and cheese powders on the market. Nine of the cheese products tested were made by Kraft. Kraft did not respond to requests for comment on the report and its findings.
Kraft has, however, denied adding phthalates to its products. In response to the report, a company spokesperson said:
> We do not add phthalates to our products. The trace amounts that were reported in this limited study are more than 1,000 times lower than levels that scientific authorities have identified as acceptable. Our products are safe for consumers to enjoy.
Kraft has also agreed to review the test results. In 2015, the company announced a phase-out of artificial food dyes and preservatives in its macaroni and cheese in response to scientific and consumer concerns.
Despite this, Kraft has shown no interest in changing the way it manufactures its macaroni and cheese. The company has not made any commitments to eliminating phthalates from its products, unlike other macaroni and cheese brands such as Annie's Homegrown.
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Phthalates in Kraft's cheese powder
Phthalates are a family of chemicals used in soaps, plastics, adhesives, rubbers, inks, and fragrances, and food packaging. They are not listed as ingredients in food products, but they can migrate into food from packaging and equipment used in manufacturing. In 2017, an independent laboratory tested 30 cheese products, including natural cheese, processed cheese slices, and cheese powder from boxed macaroni and cheese. The analysis found evidence of phthalates in 29 of the 30 products, with the highest concentrations in the highly processed cheese powder. Nine of the cheese products tested were made by Kraft, and eight of those samples contained phthalate traces.
Kraft has stated that they do not add phthalates to their products, and that the trace amounts reported are more than 1,000 times lower than levels that scientific authorities have identified as acceptable. However, phthalates are considered toxic industrial chemicals and have been linked to various health issues, including hormonal changes, lower sperm count, birth defects, obesity, diabetes, thyroid irregularities, and cancer. They are particularly concerning for children, as they are more vulnerable to hormone-disrupting chemicals due to their small, developing bodies.
The Coalition for Safer Food Processing & Packaging has requested that Kraft identify and eliminate any sources of phthalates in its cheese products and use its leadership position to drive industry-wide change. Kraft has agreed to review the test results and has shown a positive attitude towards similar issues in the past, announcing a phase-out of artificial food dyes and preservatives in its macaroni and cheese in 2015.
While some experts argue that the risks of phthalate exposure in macaroni and cheese are overblown, the consensus is that phthalate exposure in the food supply as a whole poses substantial risks for certain populations, especially those who rely on packaged foods due to income constraints or proximity to grocery stores. Safer food processing and packaging methods are necessary to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals like phthalates.
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Phthalates in other cheese products
Phthalates are a family of chemicals that are widely used in soaps, plastics, adhesives, rubbers, inks, and fragrances. They are not added to food deliberately but may migrate from processing equipment or packaging. Phthalates are classified as endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with the body's hormone system. They have been linked to hormonal changes, lower sperm count, birth defects in male infants, and learning and behavioral problems in older children.
A 2017 study analyzed 30 cheese products, including natural cheese products, processed cheese slices, and cheese powders from boxed macaroni and cheese. The results showed that 29 out of 30 products tested positive for phthalates, with the highest concentrations found in the highly processed cheese powders. Nine of the cheese products tested were made by Kraft. The company responded to these findings by stating that they do not add phthalates to their products and that the trace amounts reported are more than 1,000 times lower than the levels considered acceptable by scientific authorities.
While the Kraft Macaroni & Cheese products were not specifically named in the study, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has reported that their products use powdered macaroni and cheese mixes similar to those assessed in the Coalition for Safer Food Processing study. The EWG has urged Kraft to remove phthalates from their products, especially considering the potential health risks to children who are more vulnerable to hormone-disrupting chemicals. However, Kraft has shown no interest in changing their manufacturing process.
It is important to note that the 2017 study has not been published in a peer-reviewed journal, and the presence of phthalates in food is not unique to Kraft or macaroni and cheese products. Phthalates can be found in a variety of processed cheese products, and consumers are encouraged to contact manufacturers to investigate the sources of phthalates in their products and take steps to eliminate them. Additionally, individuals can reduce their exposure to phthalates by choosing low-fat dairy products, minimizing the consumption of highly processed foods, and storing food in glass, stainless steel, ceramic, or wood containers instead of plastic.
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Health risks of phthalates
Phthalates are a class of chemicals with endocrine-disrupting properties. They are known to interfere with the normal functioning of the body's hormone system. They are found in many consumer products, including paint, plastics, fragrances, and personal care products. Phthalates can also be easily leached into food, water, and other products applied directly to the human body. While they are not permanently stored in human tissue, studies suggest that regular exposure to these chemicals can adversely affect multiple organ systems, as well as reproductive health and child development.
Endocrine Disruption and Reproductive Issues: Phthalates are endocrine disruptors, which means they interfere with the body's hormone system. This can lead to hormonal changes, lower sperm count, decreased mobile sperm, birth defects in the male reproductive system, and changes in fertility. Studies have shown that phthalates like DBP and DEHP can damage the reproductive systems of male lab rats. Prenatal exposure to phthalates has also been linked to learning, attention, and behavioral disorders in children.
Increased Risk of Cancer: Some phthalates have been associated with an increased risk of specific cancers. For example, DINP has been linked to tumors and developmental problems in lab rats, and California added it to its list of chemicals known to cause cancer in 2014. A 2021 study also found a potential link between childhood exposure to phthalates and an increased risk of bone cancer. Additionally, phthalates have been linked to a higher risk of breast cancer and infertility in women.
Neurological and Behavioral Problems: Exposure to phthalates has been associated with neurological and behavioral issues, especially in children. Studies have suggested that exposure to phthalates during pregnancy and early childhood may result in learning, attention, and behavioral difficulties, with potential impacts on school, work, and life outcomes.
Other Health Concerns: Phthalates have also been linked to various other health issues, including obesity, diabetes, thyroid irregularities, cardiovascular and respiratory problems, and immune system impacts. Additionally, one study suggested a potential link between high levels of phthalate exposure and early death in older individuals, although more research is needed to confirm this relationship.
It is worth noting that the effects of phthalates can vary among different groups of people, with unborn babies, children, and males being particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of these chemicals.
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Reducing phthalate exposure
Phthalates are a family of chemicals that are used in a wide range of consumer and industrial products. They are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with the body's normal hormone system. They have been linked to various health issues, including hormonal changes, reduced sperm count, birth defects, obesity, diabetes, thyroid irregularities, and even cardiovascular disease and early death.
A study found high concentrations of phthalates in the cheese powder of macaroni and cheese mixes, including Kraft Macaroni & Cheese. While Kraft has denied adding phthalates to their products, the study highlights the potential for exposure to these chemicals in processed foods.
- Avoid processed foods: Phthalates are commonly used in food processing and packaging. Opting for natural, whole foods can help reduce exposure.
- Choose low-fat dairy: Phthalates accumulate in fat, so choosing skim milk and low-fat cheeses can reduce exposure.
- Beware of fragrances: Phthalates are often used in fragrances to retain scents. Opt for unscented personal care products and choose fragrances that are labelled phthalate-free.
- Avoid plastics: Phthalates are used to soften and strengthen plastics. Use glass, stainless steel, ceramic, or wood containers for storing food and beverages.
- Be mindful of cosmetics: Phthalates are commonly used in cosmetics to help products adhere to and penetrate the skin. Look for cosmetics and personal care products labelled phthalate-free, or use databases like EWG's Skin Deep® to find safer alternatives.
- Reduce indoor exposure: Phthalates are found in many building materials and products used indoors, such as vinyl flooring and shower curtains. They can contaminate indoor dust and air, so regular cleaning and vacuuming can help reduce exposure.
- Contact manufacturers: Urge food manufacturers to investigate the presence of phthalates in their products and take steps to eliminate them.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, phthalates have been found in Kraft Macaroni and Cheese.
Phthalates are a family of chemicals that are widely used in soaps, plastics, adhesives, rubbers, inks, and fragrances. They are also known as "plasticizers" that increase the flexibility of materials.
Phthalate concentrations in Kraft Macaroni and Cheese were found to be more than four times higher than in block cheese and other natural cheeses. However, the company has stated that the trace amounts reported are more than 1,000 times lower than levels deemed acceptable by scientific authorities.
Phthalates are considered harmful by some advocacy groups, particularly for children and pregnant women. They have been linked to various health issues, including hormonal changes, lower sperm count, birth defects, obesity, diabetes, thyroid irregularities, and behavioral and brain development problems. However, some experts argue that the risks of phthalate exposure in macaroni and cheese are overblown and that it is primarily a byproduct of the manufacturing process.
Kraft has shown no interest in changing its manufacturing process to eliminate phthalates. They have stated that their products are safe for consumption and that the trace amounts of phthalates are well within acceptable levels.
