Andy Montoya
Kraft Macaroni & Cheese has been the subject of controversy in recent years, with concerns raised about the presence of potentially harmful chemicals in the product. Specifically, tests have detected trace amounts of phthalates, which are industrial chemicals used to soften plastics and are also present in adhesives and packaging. While phthalates are not intentionally added to food, they can migrate into food products during processing, packaging, and preparation. There is evidence that these chemicals can interfere with hormones, particularly testosterone, and have been linked to various health issues, including cancer. However, the levels of phthalates found in Kraft Macaroni & Cheese are relatively low, and some experts argue that they are not a cause for significant alarm. Nonetheless, consumer advocacy groups have pressured Kraft to eliminate phthalates from their products, and the company has faced criticism for its lack of commitment to doing so.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chemicals Found | Phthalates, DEHP |
| Harmful Effects | Interferes with male hormones like testosterone, linked to genital birth defects in infant boys, learning and behavior problems in older children, infertility, low sperm counts, heightened risk of testicular cancer, neurodevelopmental problems in young children |
| Kraft's Response | Phthalates are not added to their products, trace amounts are more than 1,000 times lower than acceptable levels, products are safe for consumption |
| Action Taken | Phased out artificial food dyes and preservatives in 2015, no similar commitments made regarding phthalates |
| Consumer Action | Petition with 41,482 signatures demanding removal of cancer-causing food dyes |
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What You'll Learn
- Kraft Mac & Cheese contains phthalates, which are toxic industrial chemicals
- Phthalates are linked to hormonal disruption, particularly of testosterone
- Exposure to phthalates during pregnancy is linked to genital birth defects in infant boys
- Phthalates have also been linked to learning and behavioural problems in older children
- Phthalates are not intentionally added to food but are classified as indirect food additives
Kraft Mac & Cheese contains phthalates, which are toxic industrial chemicals
Kraft Mac & Cheese has been found to contain phthalates, toxic industrial chemicals that can have adverse effects on human health. Phthalates are man-made substances commonly used to soften plastics and are found in packaging, equipment, and adhesives. They are not intentionally added to food but can migrate into food products during processing, packaging, and preparation.
In 2017, an independent laboratory tested 30 cheese products and found phthalates in all but one sample. The highest concentrations were detected in the highly processed cheese powder used in boxed mac and cheese mixes, including Kraft Mac & Cheese. While Kraft has denied adding phthalates to their products, tests have shown that eight out of nine Kraft cheese product items contained these toxic chemicals.
Phthalates are of particular concern because they can interfere with human hormones, specifically blocking the production of testosterone. This can lead to a range of health issues, including genital birth defects in infant boys, fertility complications, and increased risk of cancers such as testicular and prostate cancer. Exposure during pregnancy and early childhood has also been linked to neurodevelopmental issues and behavior problems.
The presence of phthalates in Kraft Mac & Cheese has sparked concern among consumers and advocacy groups, who are urging the company to eliminate these chemicals from their products. Some organizations have even launched campaigns and petitions to pressure Kraft to remove phthalates and other harmful additives. While Kraft has previously shown leadership in phasing out artificial dyes and preservatives, they have not yet made similar commitments regarding phthalates.
It is important to note that the health risks associated with phthalates depend on the level of exposure and the specific phthalate in question. While Kraft has stated that the trace amounts found in their products are significantly lower than the levels considered acceptable, health advocates continue to push for further reductions and comprehensive testing to ensure the safety of consumers, especially pregnant women, children, and young boys.
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Phthalates are linked to hormonal disruption, particularly of testosterone
In 2017, a report found that some packaged brands of macaroni and cheese might contain harmful chemicals. Specifically, nine of the cheese products tested were made by Kraft. The report stated that all but one of the samples tested positive for phthalates, with the highest concentrations found in the highly processed cheese powder in boxed mac and cheese mixes. Phthalates are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that are known to interfere with the production of the hormone testosterone.
A study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM) found that individuals exposed to high levels of phthalates tended to have reduced levels of testosterone in their blood compared to those with lower chemical exposure. This study examined 2,208 people who participated in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011-2012, and found an inverse relationship between phthalate exposure and testosterone levels at various life stages. For example, in women aged 40-60, increased phthalate concentrations were associated with a 10.8-24% decline in testosterone levels. Similarly, among boys aged 6-12, increased concentrations of a phthalate metabolite called di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) were linked to a 24-34.1% drop in testosterone levels.
Animal and cellular studies have also found that some phthalates block the effects of testosterone on the body's organs and tissues. This can lead to genital malformations in newborn boys and reduced semen quality in men. Furthermore, emerging research has suggested links between early childhood exposure to phthalates and neurodevelopmental and behavior problems in young children, including aggression.
Due to the adverse health effects associated with phthalate exposure, steps should be taken to limit human exposure to these chemicals.
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Exposure to phthalates during pregnancy is linked to genital birth defects in infant boys
Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, also known as Cheesy Pasta, has been at the centre of controversy over potentially harmful chemicals called phthalates found in its composition. Phthalates are industrial chemicals used to soften plastics and are used as solvents, in adhesives, and in ink on packaging. They are also used in the production of plastic, rubber, adhesives, inks, and coatings. While they have many practical uses, they may pose certain health risks, especially for pregnant women and young children.
Phthalates have been detected in high concentrations in the highly processed cheese powder in boxed mac and cheese mixes, including Kraft's products. In 2017, an independent lab tested 30 different cheese products, finding phthalates in all but one sample, with the highest levels in the cheese powder used in boxed macaroni and cheese. The Kraft Heinz Company, which makes Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, has stated that phthalates are not added to their products, and that the trace amounts found are much lower than levels deemed acceptable. However, consumer advocacy groups and scientists have expressed concern over the potential health risks associated with phthalate exposure, especially during pregnancy.
Phthalates are known to interfere with human hormones, specifically blocking the production of testosterone, the male sex hormone. This can lead to genital birth defects in infant boys, including a genital condition associated with increased risk of reproductive health problems, such as testicular and prostate cancer, and poor sperm quality. Emerging research also suggests links between early childhood exposure to phthalates and neurodevelopmental and behavioural issues, including aggression and learning difficulties.
Due to the potential risks, there have been calls for Kraft to eliminate phthalates from its cheese products and supply chain. While Kraft has not made any official commitments, they did phase out artificial food dyes and preservatives in 2015 in response to similar concerns. The company has also stated that the safety and quality of their products are their highest priority, and they follow the laws and regulations in the countries where their products are sold.
While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not banned phthalates or issued an official statement on their risk, they acknowledge the uncertainty surrounding their effects on human health. In the absence of regulatory restrictions, some macaroni and cheese brands, such as Annie's Homegrown, have proactively made phthalate elimination a priority.
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Phthalates have also been linked to learning and behavioural problems in older children
While Kraft Macaroni and Cheese has not been directly linked to cancer, it has been associated with potentially harmful chemicals called phthalates. Phthalates are industrial chemicals used to soften plastics and are found in adhesives, inks, and packaging. They are also known to migrate into food from packaging and equipment used in manufacturing.
Phthalates have been detected in high concentrations in certain Kraft Macaroni and Cheese products, particularly in the highly processed cheese powder. In 2017, an independent lab tested 30 different cheese products, finding phthalates in all but one sample. Nine of the tested cheese products were made by Kraft, and eight of these samples contained phthalate traces.
Phthalates are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can interfere with human hormones, specifically blocking the production of testosterone. This can lead to a range of health issues, including genital birth defects in infant boys, fertility complications, and increased risk of certain cancers.
Due to the potential risks associated with phthalate consumption, consumer advocacy groups have urged Kraft to eliminate any sources of phthalates in its cheese products. While Kraft has not made any official commitments, they have stated that their products are safe for consumption, with trace amounts of phthalates well within acceptable levels.
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Phthalates are not intentionally added to food but are classified as indirect food additives
Kraft Macaroni & Cheese has been at the centre of controversy due to the presence of potentially harmful chemicals called phthalates in its products. Phthalates are industrial chemicals used to soften plastics and are used as solvents, in adhesives, and in ink on packaging. They are not intentionally added to food but are classified as "indirect food additives" by government agencies.
Phthalates have been detected in Kraft's Macaroni & Cheese products, with eight out of nine samples containing traces of phthalates. The highest concentrations were found in the highly processed cheese powder in boxed mac and cheese mixes. While Kraft has not made any commitments to eliminate phthalates from its products, the company has stated that the trace amounts reported are more than 1,000 times lower than the levels that scientific authorities have identified as acceptable.
Phthalates are a broad class of chemicals used to make plastic and have historically been detected in various consumer products, including nail polish, perfume, shampoo, detergents, and toys. They are not intentionally added to food but migrate into food products during food processing, packaging, and preparation. This migration occurs due to the use of packaging and equipment containing phthalates in the manufacturing process.
The presence of phthalates in food products is a concern because they can act as hormone disruptors, particularly blocking the production of testosterone. This can lead to genital birth defects in infant boys, fertility issues, and increased risk of reproductive cancers later in life. Emerging research also suggests links between early childhood exposure to phthalates and neurodevelopmental and behavioural problems.
While the concentrations of phthalates in food may be low, measured in parts per billion, they are still present at higher levels than natural hormones in the body. This has led to calls for Kraft and other manufacturers to investigate how phthalates are getting into their products and take steps to eliminate them. Some consumer advocacy groups have also urged federal agencies to assess the risks and support risk management efforts.
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Frequently asked questions
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese has been found to contain trace amounts of phthalates, which are industrial chemicals used to soften plastics. Phthalates are considered by some advocacy groups to be the "most widely banned phthalate around the world." These bans stem from research linking phthalates to blocked production of testosterone, fertility complications, and even cancer. However, the levels of phthalates in Kraft Macaroni and Cheese are very low, and the product is considered safe for consumption.
Phthalates are a broad class of chemicals used to make plastic. They are also found in a wide variety of consumer products, including nail polish, perfume, shampoo, detergents, and toys. Phthalates can disrupt male hormones like testosterone and have been linked to genital birth defects in infant boys and learning and behavior problems in older children.
To avoid exposure to phthalates, choose low-fat dairy products such as skim milk and low-fat cheeses, and avoid high-fat foods like cream, whole milk, and fatty meats. Use glass, stainless steel, ceramic, or wood to hold and store food instead of plastic. Wash your hands frequently and take off your shoes at home to avoid household dust that may be contaminated with chemical traces.
