Andy Montoya
Cheese powder is a dehydrated, concentrated version of regular cheese. It is made by removing the moisture content from regular cheese, which allows it to be stored for long periods without refrigeration. While cheese powder has its advantages, such as a longer shelf life and concentrated flavor, there have been concerns about its potential health risks. Studies have found high levels of phthalates, chemicals that can migrate from packaging and equipment, in cheese powders, particularly those used in macaroni and cheese mixes. Phthalates have been linked to negative health effects, especially in pregnant women, children, and male infants. However, it's important to note that the health impact of low-level exposure to these chemicals is still unknown, and food manufacturers deny adding them intentionally.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Health concerns | Chemicals called phthalates found in mac and cheese powder pose a serious health threat, especially to pregnant women and children. |
| Phthalate levels | Phthalate concentrations in powder from mac and cheese mixes were four times higher than in block cheese and other natural cheeses. |
| Health effects | 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. |
| Banned substances | Phthalates have been banned from children's toys and products, but are still allowed in foods by the FDA. |
| Kraft's response | Kraft denies adding phthalates to their products, stating that trace amounts are far below acceptable levels. |
| Cheese powder production | Cheese powder is made by dehydrating regular cheese to remove moisture content, allowing for long-term storage without refrigeration. |
| Advantages | Cheese powder has a concentrated flavor, lacks moisture, and offers a longer shelf life compared to fresh cheese. |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese powder is made by dehydrating cheese
Cheese powder is a dehydrated, concentrated version of regular cheese. It is made by dehydrating cheese, usually by spray-drying or freeze-drying. The process of spray-drying involves mixing melted cheese with a substrate and spraying it through a nozzle so that when the mist dries, the flavour remains on the substrate. This method of dehydration was first used at an industrial scale after Kraft created processed cheese in the early 20th century.
Today, cheese powder is often used in cooking to add flavour to dishes such as scrambled eggs, chicken cutlets, and dinner rolls. It can also be used as a topping for popcorn, corn on the cob, or potato chips. Cheese powder has a longer shelf life than fresh cheese, lasting up to a year compared to a few weeks for some fresh cheeses.
However, there have been concerns about the health effects of cheese powder, particularly regarding the presence of chemicals called phthalates. Phthalates are plastics used to make plastics more flexible, and they have been linked to negative health effects, especially in children and pregnant women. Studies have found high levels of phthalates in mac and cheese powder, and there are concerns that they may disrupt hormones and pose risks to reproductive health.
While the health effects of phthalates are still being studied, some regulatory agencies have taken steps to reduce their presence in food products. For example, Europe has banned many phthalates from use in plastics that come into contact with fatty foods, but the FDA in the United States still allows their use. Consumers concerned about the presence of phthalates in their food can contact manufacturers to inquire about their practices and pressure them to eliminate the use of these chemicals.
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Phthalate levels in cheese powder
Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible. They are widely used in soaps, plastics, adhesives, rubbers, inks, and fragrances. While they are meant to be kept out of food, they can migrate into food from packaging and equipment used in manufacturing. Phthalates have been banned from children's toys and products due to their potential health effects, especially on pregnant women and children.
A 2017 analysis by the Coalition for Safer Food Processing & Packaging found high concentrations of phthalates in the cheese powder of macaroni and cheese. The study tested 30 cheese products, including natural cheese products, processed cheese slices, and cheese powder. Phthalate levels were found to be more than four times higher in the macaroni and cheese powder than in block cheese and other natural cheeses.
The presence of phthalates in food is a concern because they can bind with fats and build up in fatty foods like cheese, meats, oils, and fast food. While the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledges that some phthalates impact the reproductive system of animals, the effects of low-level exposure on humans are still unknown. However, there is evidence that phthalates can disrupt male hormones like testosterone and have been linked to genital birth defects in infant boys and learning and behavioral problems in older children.
To reduce exposure to phthalates, it is recommended to avoid processed foods, especially for pregnant women and those with young children. While the Food and Drug Administration has not banned phthalates from food, they state that there must be sufficient scientific information to demonstrate the safety of any substance used in food packaging.
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Phthalates' health effects on pregnant women and children
Cheese powder is a dehydrated, concentrated version of fresh cheese. It is often used in macaroni and cheese mixes, and can be purchased in packets or made at home. While cheese powder is a convenient way to add flavour to various dishes, there have been concerns about the potential presence of harmful chemicals in these products.
Phthalates, a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible, have been detected in macaroni and cheese powder. Phthalate levels in these cheese products were found to be more than four times higher than in block cheese and other natural cheeses. The presence of phthalates in food, particularly during pregnancy and childhood, has raised concerns about potential health risks.
Phthalates have been linked to adverse health effects in pregnant women and their offspring. Studies have suggested that exposure to phthalates during pregnancy may increase the risk of pregnancy loss and gestational diabetes. Higher urinary concentrations of certain phthalates have been associated with excessive weight gain and impaired glucose tolerance during pregnancy, which are risk factors for gestational diabetes. Additionally, prenatal phthalate exposure may impact vitamin D levels, leading to potential adverse outcomes such as fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, and spontaneous preterm labour.
The effects of phthalates on child development have also been a cause for concern. Animal studies indicate that phthalate exposure can impair the function of Leydig cells, disrupting testicular development and fertility. Exposure to phthalates during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of motor skill and language development problems in children. Furthermore, phthalates can act like hormones and interfere with male genital development, as well as increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes later in life.
While the health effects of low-level phthalate exposure are still being studied, the widespread presence of phthalates in consumer products and food highlights the importance of further research and regulation. In the meantime, pregnant women and parents can take steps to limit their exposure to phthalates by choosing alternative products and reducing the consumption of highly processed foods.
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Phthalates' impact on testosterone production
Cheese powder is a dehydrated, concentrated version of regular cheese. It is commonly used in cooking to add flavour to dishes such as pizza dough, scones, and breadings.
While cheese powder may be convenient for cooks, it has been found to contain potentially harmful chemicals called phthalates. Phthalates are a group of plastics used to make plastics more flexible and are commonly found in commercial packaging, solvents, vinyl, and personal care products. They are not meant to be in food products or find their way into human bodies.
Phthalates have been shown to have a negative impact on testosterone production in males. Studies have found that exposure to phthalates can lead to reduced testosterone levels and interfere with testicular function. In animal studies, phthalates have been shown to alter the expression of genes encoding enzymes responsible for testosterone biosynthesis. In humans, exposure to phthalates has been linked to lower testosterone levels, particularly in older men aged 60 and above.
The impact of phthalates on testosterone production is a cause for concern, especially for pregnant women and children. While the health effects of exposure to low levels of phthalates are still unknown, some studies have shown that phthalates can alter the reproductive systems of lab animals. High concentrations of phthalates have been found in macaroni and cheese mixes made with powdered cheese, which may pose a health risk to consumers.
Overall, while cheese powder may offer convenience and flavour enhancement in cooking, its potential contamination with phthalates raises serious concerns about its impact on testosterone production and overall health. Further research and regulation are needed to address this issue and protect consumer health.
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Kraft's response to phthalates in their products
In 2017, a study found that phthalate concentrations in mac and cheese mixes were more than four times higher than in block cheese and other natural cheeses. Phthalates are plastics used to make plastics more flexible, and they can be found in a host of home and personal care products. They are not meant to be in food. The study tested 10 different varieties of mac and cheese, including some that were labelled organic, and found high levels of phthalates in all of them. Nine of the cheese products tested were made by Kraft.
Kraft's initial response to the study was to deny using phthalates in their products. A Kraft spokesperson, Lynne Galia, stated that the company does not add phthalates to its products and that the trace amounts reported in the study were more than 1,000 times lower than the levels that scientific authorities have identified as acceptable. According to Galia, Kraft's products are safe for consumers to enjoy.
However, Kraft's response was met with criticism from consumers and advocacy groups, who urged the company to take action and address the presence of phthalates in their products. The Coalition for Safer Food Processing & Packaging launched the #KleanUpKraft campaign to encourage Kraft to remove phthalate sources from their facilities. Despite these efforts, Kraft-Heinz rejected the petition, sending a clear message that they were not concerned about phthalate contamination in their food chain.
Kraft has shown no interest in changing the way it manufactures its food, despite the health concerns associated with the high consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods, which can increase the potential for exposure to phthalates. The company has not responded to requests for comment on the reports and findings regarding phthalates in their products.
While Kraft maintains that its products are safe for consumption, advocacy groups and consumers continue to pressure the company to eliminate phthalates from its food processing and packaging methods.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese powder is a dehydrated, concentrated version of regular cheese. It is made by removing the moisture content from regular cheese, which results in a long shelf life.
Cheese powder may contain potentially harmful chemicals called phthalates, which can disrupt hormones like testosterone. Phthalates are present at higher levels than natural hormones in the body and have been linked to genital birth defects in infant boys and learning and behaviour problems in older children. However, it is important to note that the health effects of exposure to low levels of phthalates are still unknown.
Phthalates can migrate into cheese powder from packaging and equipment used in manufacturing. They tend to build up in fatty foods, including cheese, baked goods, meats, oils, and fast food.
Yes, fresh cheese is always an alternative to cheese powder. However, it has a shorter shelf life and requires refrigeration.
Cheese powder has a long shelf life, does not require refrigeration, and provides a concentrated flavour without adding moisture. It is also versatile and can be used in various recipes, such as pasta, casseroles, and breadings.
