Kamil Perry
Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, or Kraft Dinner, has been a staple comfort food for many since its launch in 1937. However, recent concerns have been raised about the presence of potentially harmful chemicals in the popular meal. Laboratory testing has revealed toxic industrial chemicals known as phthalates in the cheese powders of macaroni and cheese products, including those of Kraft. Phthalates are used to make plastic and are linked to various health risks, especially for pregnant women and children. While some experts argue that the presence of phthalates in macaroni and cheese is minimal and that the concerns are overblown, others urge Kraft to eliminate any sources of phthalates from its products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Presence of Phthalates | Yes |
| Harmfulness of Phthalates | Linked to hormonal changes, lower sperm count, decreased mobile sperm, birth defects in the male reproductive system, obesity, diabetes, thyroid irregularities, blocked production of testosterone, fertility complications, and cancer |
| Action Taken by Kraft | None |
| Action Needed by Kraft | Identify and eliminate any phthalates in its cheese products by ensuring that safer alternatives are used in food processing and packaging materials throughout its supply chain |
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What You'll Learn
- Kraft Mac & Cheese's plastic packaging may contain phthalates
- Phthalates are toxic chemicals that can disrupt hormones
- Phthalates are used in plastic to increase flexibility
- Phthalates are found in many processed foods, not just Kraft Mac & Cheese
- Kraft has not committed to removing phthalates from its products
Kraft Mac & Cheese's plastic packaging may contain phthalates
Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, or Kraft Dinner, has been a popular food item since its launch in 1937. It is a quick, affordable, and convenient meal option for many, especially families with children. However, concerns have been raised in recent years about the presence of potentially harmful chemicals, specifically phthalates, in Kraft's macaroni and cheese products.
Phthalates are a class of chemicals used to make plastic more flexible. They are commonly found in a wide range of consumer and industrial products, including food packaging, personal care items, and toys. In 2017, the Coalition for Safer Food Processing and Packaging conducted a study that revealed the presence of phthalates in ten varieties of macaroni and cheese powders, including those made by Kraft.
The issue of phthalates in food, specifically Kraft's macaroni and cheese, is concerning because these chemicals can migrate into the food from the plastic packaging and processing equipment. Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, which means they can interfere with the body's hormone system. Studies have linked phthalate exposure to various health issues, including hormonal changes, reduced sperm count, birth defects in male infants, learning and behavioural problems in older children, obesity, diabetes, and thyroid irregularities.
While some experts argue that the presence of phthalates in macaroni and cheese is minimal and that the risks are overblown, consumer advocacy groups and health experts are urging Kraft to take action. They recommend that Kraft identify and eliminate any sources of phthalates in its cheese products and supply chain, including packaging and processing materials. Some groups have also encouraged consumers to pressure manufacturers like Kraft to investigate and address the issue of phthalates in their products.
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Phthalates are toxic chemicals that can disrupt hormones
Laboratory testing of 10 varieties of macaroni and cheese products has revealed toxic industrial chemicals (known as phthalates) in the cheese powders of all the tested items. Phthalates are a series of widely used chemicals that are detrimental to human health. They are endocrine disruptors and are mainly used in the plastic industries as plasticizers to produce polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Phthalates can be found in most products that come in contact with plastics during production, packaging, or delivery. They migrate into food from food processing equipment like plastic tubing, conveyor belts, and other plastic materials used in the manufacturing process. They can also seep in from printed labels or plastic packaging materials. Since they bind with fats, they tend to build up in fatty foods, including cheese, baked goods, infant formula, meats, oils, and fats. Studies have shown that phthalates are present at higher levels than the natural hormones in the body.
Phthalates can disrupt the endocrine system, which is a network of hormones, hormone-producing glands, and hormone receptors. They can interfere with the hormone system by increasing the production of some hormones, decreasing the production of others, and interfering with hormone signaling, leading to health problems. These health problems include elevated blood pressure, obesity, elevated levels of triglycerides, changes to fertility, early puberty, and a risk of low birth weight.
Phthalates have been linked to a higher risk of breast cancer and infertility in women. Prenatal exposure to these chemicals can also lead to learning, attention, and behavioral disorders in children. Children are at a higher level of exposure and are more vulnerable to the effects of phthalates, especially during early growth.
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Phthalates are used in plastic to increase flexibility
Phthalates are used in plastic as an additive or a plasticizer. They are used to increase the flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity of plastics. Phthalates are commonly used to soften polyvinyl chloride (PVC), with almost 90% of all plasticizers used in PVC. PVC is unique in its acceptance of large amounts of plasticizer, with phthalates derived from alcohols with 7–13 carbon atoms acting as general-purpose plasticizers, suitable for almost all flexible PVC applications. Phthalates larger than this have limited compatibility in PVC, with di(isotridecyl) phthalate representing the practical upper limit. Compounds derived from alcohols with 1–3 carbon atoms are not used as plasticizers in PVC due to excessive fuming at processing temperatures.
Phthalates are not firmly attached to the polymer backbone of a plastic molecule, so they can easily migrate to the surface of the product and leach out. This is why phthalates can be found in food products, particularly those with high fat content, as they bind with fats. Phthalates have been found in cheese products, including macaroni and cheese mixes made with powdered cheese, such as those produced by Kraft. A study found phthalates in 29 out of 30 cheese products tested, with 10 different phthalates identified and up to six found in a single product.
Phthalates have been linked to negative health outcomes, particularly for pregnant women and children. They can disrupt male hormones like testosterone and have been connected to genital birth defects in infant boys and learning and behavior problems in older children. Due to these health concerns, lower-molecular-weight phthalates have been replaced in many products in the United States, Canada, and the European Union with higher molecular-weight phthalates or non-phthalic plasticizers. Europe has banned many phthalates from use in plastics that come into contact with fatty foods, including baby food and dairy products. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States allows the use of many phthalates in such materials, classifying them as indirect food additives.
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Phthalates are found in many processed foods, not just Kraft Mac & Cheese
Phthalates are a family of chemicals used in plastic materials as plasticizers, making plastics more flexible. They are not supposed to be directly added to food, but they can migrate into food from food processing equipment, such as plastic tubing, conveyor belts, and other plastic materials used in manufacturing. Phthalates can also seep into food from printed labels or plastic packaging.
Phthalates have been found in dairy products, meats, seafood, fruits and vegetables, and fast foods. They are nearly impossible to avoid, as they are present in most foods. A study found phthalates in nearly every cheese product tested (29 out of 30 items), with 10 different phthalates identified and up to six found in a single product. Eight of the nine Kraft cheese products tested also contained phthalates.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not banned phthalates in food, but they are classified as indirect food additives. The FDA currently allows nine phthalates in food contact applications, eight for use as plasticizers, and one as a monomer. However, there is growing concern about the health risks associated with phthalates, especially for pregnant women, babies, young children, and women in general. Phthalates have been linked to genital birth defects in infant boys and learning and behavior problems in older children. They can also disrupt male hormones like testosterone.
While some phthalates have been phased out of food processing and packaging, they are still present in low concentrations in many processed foods, including Kraft Mac & Cheese. It is important to note that phthalates are not intentionally added to food but can contaminate it during the manufacturing process and supply chain.
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Kraft has not committed to removing phthalates from its products
Kraft Macaroni & Cheese has been a staple in many households since 1937. Its affordability and convenience have kept it a popular food item, especially during World War II when food rationing was in effect. However, concerns have been raised in recent years about the presence of potentially harmful chemicals called phthalates in macaroni and cheese products, including those of Kraft.
Phthalates are a class of chemicals used to make plastic more flexible and are found in a wide range of consumer and industrial products. These chemicals can migrate into food from processing equipment, such as plastic tubing and packaging materials. While some phthalates have been phased out of food processing and packaging, they are still present in low concentrations in many food items.
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, including those from Kraft. The report urged Kraft Heinz, as the dominant seller of boxed macaroni and cheese, to take the lead in eliminating any sources of phthalates in its products. However, Kraft has not shown any interest or made any commitments to removing phthalates from its macaroni and cheese products.
The presence of phthalates in food, especially those consumed by children, is concerning because they are considered endocrine disruptors. Research has linked phthalates to various health issues, including hormonal changes, lower sperm count, birth defects in male infants, learning and behavior problems in older children, obesity, diabetes, and thyroid irregularities. Consumer advocacy groups and experts have urged manufacturers, including Kraft, to identify and eliminate phthalates from their products by using safer alternatives in food processing and packaging materials.
While some experts argue that the risks of phthalate exposure from a single box of macaroni and cheese are minimal, the cumulative effect of consuming packaged and processed foods regularly can increase the potential for exposure. With Kraft being the largest macaroni and cheese producer in the US, its inaction on this issue could have a significant impact on public health.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Kraft Macaroni and Cheese has been found to contain phthalates, which are chemicals used to make plastic more flexible.
Phthalates can migrate into food from food processing equipment like plastic tubing, conveyor belts, and packaging materials.
While some experts argue that the presence of phthalates in Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is minimal and not a cause for concern, others point out that phthalates are endocrine disruptors, which can interfere with the body's hormone system. Phthalates have been linked to various health issues, including hormonal changes, fertility complications, and birth defects in infant boys.
