Frederic Melton
Macaroni and cheese is a popular dish, especially among children, but recent studies have found that it may contain harmful chemicals. Tests have revealed the presence of toxic industrial chemicals called phthalates in the cheese powders of several mac and cheese products, including those from Kraft, the largest producer of mac and cheese. Phthalates are known to interfere with hormones and have been linked to various health issues, including genital birth defects in infant boys and learning difficulties in older children. While some argue that the levels of phthalates in mac and cheese are too low to cause significant harm, others are concerned about the potential risks, especially for pregnant women and young children. The detection of these chemicals has sparked petitions and calls for companies like Kraft to eliminate phthalates from their products and improve their processing and packaging methods.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chemicals found | Phthalates |
| Harm caused | Interferes with hormones, linked to genital birth defects in infant boys, learning and behaviour problems in older children, and lowered testosterone |
| Products affected | Macaroni and cheese powders, especially Kraft |
| Action taken | Petitions to Kraft to switch to safer processing and packaging, and to remove all phthalates from food, food packaging, and manufacturing equipment |
| Precautions | Use glass, stainless steel, ceramic, or wood to hold and store food instead of plastics, wash hands frequently, avoid fragrances that contain phthalates |
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What You'll Learn
- Phthalates are toxic chemicals found in macaroni and cheese
- Phthalates are linked to disrupted hormones and birth defects
- Phthalates are found in high concentrations in macaroni and cheese powder
- Kraft has a large market share of the macaroni and cheese market
- Phthalates are not added to Kraft products, according to the company
Phthalates are toxic chemicals found in macaroni and cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a popular dish, with two million boxes sold every day in the United States. However, recent studies have revealed that toxic chemicals known as phthalates are present in the cheese powders of many macaroni and cheese products. Phthalates are industrial chemicals commonly added to plastics, rubber, adhesives, inks, and coatings. They have been shown to migrate into food products during processing, packaging, and preparation.
Phthalates have been detected in high concentrations in macaroni and cheese mixes made with powdered cheese. In a study of 30 cheese products, phthalates were found in all but one sample, with the highest concentrations found in the highly processed cheese powder in boxed mac and cheese mixes. The phthalate concentrations in these mixes were more than four times higher than in block cheese and other natural cheeses. It is important to note that phthalates are not an ingredient in the powder but can migrate into the food from the packaging and equipment used in manufacturing.
The presence of phthalates in macaroni and cheese is concerning due to their potential health risks. Phthalates are hormone-disrupting chemicals that can lower testosterone levels and alter thyroid function. Early childhood exposure to phthalates has been linked to neurodevelopmental and behavioral problems, including aggression, hyperactivity, and possible cognitive delays. Phthalates have also been linked to genital birth defects in infant boys. These chemicals pose special risks to pregnant women and young children.
To reduce exposure to phthalates, it is recommended to avoid processed foods, especially during pregnancy and when feeding young children. Using glass, stainless steel, ceramic, or wood to hold and store food instead of plastics can also help minimize exposure. Additionally, choosing low-fat dairy products and avoiding high-fat foods can reduce exposure, as phthalates accumulate in fat. It is worth noting that phthalates are not persistent chemicals, and frequent exposures are necessary to maintain a body burden of these chemicals.
While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not banned phthalates from food, there are ongoing petitions and efforts by environmental and food safety groups to remove them from food, food packaging, and manufacturing processes. Consumers are urged to contact manufacturers and pressure them to investigate the presence of phthalates in their products and take steps to eliminate them.
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Phthalates are linked to disrupted hormones and birth defects
Phthalates are a group of endocrine-disrupting chemicals that are commonly added to plastics, rubber, adhesives, inks, and coatings. They have been shown to migrate into food products during processing, packaging, and preparation. Phthalates can also enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, and transplacental transition.
Phthalates have been linked to disrupted hormones and birth defects. In males, phthalates can lower testosterone levels and have been associated with genital birth defects in infant boys. They can also cause testicular dysgenesis syndrome, fertility disorders, and cancer. In females, phthalates can lead to reproductive disorders, decreased fecundity, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and gynecological cancer.
The effects of phthalates on hormone disruption are particularly evident during prenatal and neonatal periods. Studies have shown that exposure to phthalates during pregnancy can alter maternal levels of sex hormones, resulting in serious fertility and perinatal complications, as well as adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. For instance, maternal thyroid dysfunction caused by phthalate exposure has been associated with abnormal fetal development, including growth retardation, inadequate central nervous system development, and preterm birth.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not banned phthalates from food products, despite concerns raised by environmental and food safety groups. However, some phthalates have been phased out of food processing and packaging, and those still in use result in very low exposures.
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Phthalates are found in high concentrations in macaroni and cheese powder
Macaroni and cheese is a popular dish, with two million boxes sold every day in the United States alone. However, recent studies have revealed that this beloved comfort food may come with an unwelcome additive in the form of toxic chemicals called phthalates. Phthalates are found in high concentrations in macaroni and cheese powder, with potentially harmful effects on human health.
Phthalates are a broad class of chemicals commonly used to make plastics. They are known as "everywhere chemicals" due to their presence in a wide range of consumer products, from nail polish to perfumes and even vinyl flooring. While not all phthalates pose significant health risks, certain types, such as DEHP, are considered harmful. DEHP was detected in all ten macaroni and cheese powders tested in one study and accounted for nearly 60% of all phthalates found.
Phthalates have been linked to adverse effects on male hormones, particularly testosterone. Exposure to phthalates during pregnancy and early childhood has been associated with genital birth defects in infant boys and learning and behavioural problems in older children. Studies have also shown that these chemicals may disrupt thyroid function and alter brain development, impacting children's ability to succeed in school, work, and later life. The risks are heightened for those who consume a high proportion of packaged foods, as phthalates are more regularly detected in such products.
The presence of phthalates in macaroni and cheese is attributed to their migration from packaging and equipment used in manufacturing. While some phthalates have been phased out of food processing, they are still found in high concentrations in the final product. Consumer advocacy groups and experts are urging manufacturers, particularly Kraft—the largest producer of macaroni and cheese—to identify and eliminate phthalates from their products and supply chains.
It is worth noting that some experts argue that the concerns over phthalates in macaroni and cheese are exaggerated, claiming that the chemical's presence is minimal and merely a byproduct of the manufacturing process. However, with strong evidence of the potential harms of phthalates, there are growing calls for regulatory action and industry-wide change to protect public health, especially that of pregnant women, children, and other vulnerable populations.
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Kraft has a large market share of the macaroni and cheese market
Kraft has long dominated the US market for packaged macaroni and cheese, though its share has declined slightly in recent years. In 2014, Kraft's market share was 78%, down from 82% in 2010. In 2017, the company was found to have a 76% market share.
Kraft's large market share has made it the focus of campaigns to remove harmful chemicals from macaroni and cheese products. Phthalates, toxic industrial chemicals that can harm brain development, have been found in macaroni and cheese powders, including those produced by Kraft. Phthalates are commonly added to plastics, rubber, adhesives, inks, and coatings, and can migrate into food during food processing, packaging, and preparation. In 2017, phthalates were detected in 29 out of 30 cheese products tested, with 10 different phthalates identified and up to six found in a single product. Phthalates were found in eight or nine of the Kraft cheese products tested.
Kraft has responded to consumer concerns in the past, announcing a phase-out of artificial food dyes and preservatives in its macaroni and cheese products in 2015. In 2024, the company reported net sales of $26.64 billion, up 0.6% from the previous year, and is taking steps to re-energize its macaroni and cheese business, including launching a new marketing campaign and developing new flavors and packaging configurations.
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Phthalates are not added to Kraft products, according to the company
Macaroni and cheese is a popular dish, with two million boxes sold every day in the United States. However, recent studies have found that some macaroni and cheese products may contain harmful chemicals, specifically phthalates. Phthalates are industrial chemicals commonly added to plastics, rubber, adhesives, inks, and coatings. They have been linked to negative health effects, including disruptions to male hormones like testosterone, genital birth defects in infant boys, and learning and behavioural problems in older children.
In response to these concerns, the Coalition for Safer Food Processing & Packaging has urged Kraft, the dominant seller of boxed macaroni and cheese, to eliminate any sources of phthalates in its cheese products. Kraft has stated that phthalates are not added to their products. A company spokesperson, Lynne Galia, addressed the issue, stating that the trace amounts reported in the study were more than 1,000 times lower than the levels scientific authorities have identified as acceptable. Galia asserted that Kraft's products are safe for consumers to enjoy.
The presence of phthalates in macaroni and cheese products has sparked mixed reactions. Some experts argue that the low concentrations of phthalates, typically under one part per million, may not pose a significant risk. They emphasize that the presence of a chemical does not necessarily equate to danger. However, others remain concerned about the potential health impacts, especially for pregnant women and young children.
While Kraft maintains that phthalates are not intentionally added to their products, the company has acknowledged the importance of the issue. In 2015, Kraft announced a phase-out of artificial food dyes and preservatives in its macaroni and cheese products in response to scientific and consumer concerns. This demonstrates the company's willingness to address similar issues in the past.
The debate surrounding phthalates in macaroni and cheese highlights the importance of ongoing research and transparent communication between manufacturers, regulators, and consumers. While the immediate health risks associated with trace amounts of phthalates may be minimal, further studies and stricter regulations could help ensure the safety and peace of mind of consumers, especially those with young children.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, toxic chemicals called phthalates have been found in macaroni and cheese powder and other cheese products. Phthalates are known to cause hormonal and birth defects and can harm babies' brain development.
Phthalates are commonly added to plastics, rubber, adhesives, inks, and coatings, and can migrate into food products during food processing, packaging, and preparation.
Consumers can contact manufacturers and pressure them to investigate how phthalates are getting into their products and take steps to eliminate them. Individuals can also reduce their exposure by choosing low-fat dairy products and avoiding high-fat foods, as phthalates accumulate in fat.
