Bushra Griffith
Macaroni and cheese is a popular dish, with two million boxes sold every day in the United States. However, a 2017 study found that many boxed macaroni and cheese products may contain harmful chemicals called phthalates. Phthalates are man-made substances that can interfere with human hormones, particularly testosterone, and have been linked to genital birth defects in infant boys and learning and behaviour problems in older children. While the presence of phthalates in macaroni and cheese is concerning, some experts argue that the levels are relatively low and not cause for alarm. The Kraft Heinz Company, which owns 76% of the boxed macaroni and cheese market, has stated that their products are safe and that any trace amounts of phthalates are well below acceptable levels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Phthalates |
| A.K.A. | THAL-eights |
| Most Banned Type | DEHP |
| Found In | Cheese powder in boxed mac and cheese mixes |
| Products Tested | 30 cheese products |
| Products Containing Phthalates | 29 of 30 |
| Kraft Products Tested | 9 |
| Kraft Products Containing Phthalates | 8 of 9 |
| Phthalates Found In Kraft Products | Up to 6 types |
| Concentration in Powdered Cheese | More than 4 times higher than in block cheese |
| Effects | Interference with male hormones like testosterone, linked to genital birth defects in infant boys, learning and behaviour problems in older children, and changes in the developing brain |
| Suggested Precautions | Use low-fat dairy products, avoid plastics for storing food, wash hands frequently, take shoes off at home |
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What You'll Learn
Phthalates are found in boxed mac and cheese
Phthalates are potentially harmful chemicals that have been detected in boxed mac and cheese. A 2017 study of 30 cheese products found phthalates in all but one sample, with the highest concentrations in the highly processed cheese powder in boxed mac and cheese mixes. This is particularly concerning given the long shelf life of boxed mac and cheese, which provides ample time for phthalates to seep into the food.
Phthalates are not an ingredient in the cheese powder; they migrate into the food from packaging and equipment used in manufacturing. As such, they are also present in trace amounts in normal, non-powdered cheese due to its contact with plastic. However, the study found that phthalate concentrations in boxed mac and cheese mixes were more than four times higher than in block cheese and other natural cheeses.
The detection of phthalates in boxed mac and cheese is especially worrying due to the potential health risks associated with these chemicals. Phthalates have been linked to disruptions in male hormones like testosterone and may pose special risks to pregnant women and young children. Early childhood exposure to phthalates has been associated with neurodevelopmental and behavioral problems, including aggression, hyperactivity, and possible cognitive delays.
While the study on phthalates in boxed mac and cheese has raised concerns, it is important to note that it was not published in a peer-reviewed journal. Additionally, there is no established threshold for phthalate consumption that is considered harmful. However, consumers are urged to contact manufacturers to investigate the presence of phthalates in their products and take steps to eliminate them. To reduce exposure, experts recommend minimizing the consumption of processed foods and choosing low-fat dairy products, as phthalates accumulate in fat.
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Phthalates are harmful to human hormones
Macaroni and cheese, a popular comfort food, has come under scrutiny in recent years due to concerns over the presence of potentially harmful chemicals known as phthalates. Phthalates are man-made substances commonly used as plasticizers in the plastic industry. They are known to interfere with human hormones, particularly the endocrine and reproductive systems, posing risks across all stages of life, from fetal development to adulthood.
Phthalates have been detected in high concentrations in boxed macaroni and cheese mixes, especially in the processed cheese powder. The highest levels of phthalates were found in these cheese powders, exceeding the amounts found in block cheese and other natural cheeses. This is concerning as phthalates have been linked to adverse health effects, particularly in children and pregnant women.
Phthalates are endocrine disruptors, which means they can interfere with the normal functioning of hormones in the body. In males, phthalates can disrupt hormones like testosterone and have been associated with genital birth defects in infant boys. In females, exposure to phthalates during early pregnancy has been linked to alterations in placental gene expression, potentially leading to pregnancy loss and adverse obstetrical outcomes. Children are more vulnerable to the effects of phthalates, and exposure during early growth can have detrimental consequences.
The presence of phthalates in macaroni and cheese is attributed to their migration from packaging and equipment used in manufacturing. While the Food and Drug Administration has not banned phthalates from foods, there are growing concerns about their health impacts. Experts recommend reducing exposure to phthalates by choosing low-fat dairy products, avoiding plastics for food storage, and opting for unscented personal care products.
Overall, the evidence suggests that phthalates are harmful to human hormones, with potential impacts on reproduction, development, and overall health. While further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of phthalates' effects, the current data underscores the importance of minimizing exposure to these chemicals, especially for vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women.
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Kraft Heinz products contain phthalates
Kraft Heinz, the third-largest food and beverage company in North America and the fifth-largest in the world, has recently come under fire for the presence of phthalates in its boxed macaroni and cheese products. Phthalates are man-made chemicals that have been linked to adverse health effects, particularly in pregnant women, young children, and infant boys.
In 2017, an independent laboratory study tested 30 cheese products and detected phthalates in all but one sample. The highest concentrations were found in the highly processed cheese powder used in boxed macaroni and cheese mixes, including some organic varieties. While the report was not published in a peer-reviewed journal, it sparked concern among consumers and highlighted the potential presence of these chemicals in Kraft Heinz's products.
Kraft Heinz has denied adding phthalates to their products and asserted that the trace amounts found in the study were significantly lower than the levels deemed acceptable by scientific authorities. The company has also emphasized that their products are safe for consumption. However, they have faced increasing pressure from government officials and consumer advocacy groups to remove artificial dyes and synthetic ingredients from their products.
In 2025, Kraft Heinz announced that it would stop launching new products with artificial colors in the United States and aim to eliminate synthetic dyes from existing items by the end of 2027. This decision aligns with the efforts of other packaged food companies and state governments to remove artificial coloring from their products. While Kraft Heinz's decision is a step towards addressing synthetic ingredients, it remains to be seen whether they will take further action to eliminate phthalates from their products.
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Phthalates are found in packaging
Macaroni and cheese is a convenient and relatively inexpensive food item that is sold in millions of boxes every day in the United States. However, it has been found to contain potentially harmful chemicals called phthalates, which are also present in the packaging of many food products.
Phthalates, or ortho-phthalates, are a class of chemicals commonly used in plastic products, especially polyvinyl chloride (PVC), to make the material soft and less brittle. They are often referred to as "plasticizers" due to their function in the manufacturing process. While phthalates have historically been used in food packaging and other minor food contact applications, they are not authorized to be directly added to food.
Phthalates can migrate into food from packaging and equipment used in manufacturing. They are of particular concern for pregnant women and young children due to their potential to disrupt hormones and cause reproductive, developmental, and endocrine-related health problems. In children, exposure to phthalates has been linked to genital birth defects in infant boys and learning and behavior problems in older children.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for evaluating the safety of food contact substances and has strict data requirements that must be met. While the FDA continues to study the safety of phthalates, they have not banned their presence in food packaging. However, some manufacturers have been replacing phthalates as their primary plasticizer with alternative compounds.
To reduce exposure to phthalates, it is recommended to use glass, stainless steel, ceramic, or wood to hold and store food instead of plastics. Additionally, washing hands frequently and removing shoes at home can help avoid household dust that may be contaminated with chemical traces.
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Phthalates are not added intentionally
While phthalates have been detected in boxed macaroni and cheese mixes, they are not added intentionally. Phthalates are industrial chemicals used to soften plastics and are employed as solvents, adhesives, and in ink on packaging. They are not deliberately added to food but can migrate into it from food processing equipment and packaging materials used during manufacturing. This includes plastic tubing, conveyor belts, gaskets, and other plastic items. Phthalates can also seep into food from printed labels or plastic packaging components.
The Kraft Heinz Company, which makes Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, has stated that they do not add phthalates to their products. A company spokesperson, Lynne Galia, said that the trace amounts of phthalates reported in a limited study were more than 1,000 times lower than the levels that scientific authorities have deemed acceptable. Kraft Heinz maintains that their products are safe for consumption.
The presence of phthalates in food is a concern due to their potential health risks. Studies have shown that phthalates can interfere with human hormones, particularly male hormones like testosterone. Exposure to phthalates has been linked to genital birth defects in infant boys and learning and behavioural problems in older children. Early childhood exposure may also be associated with neurodevelopmental issues, such as aggression, hyperactivity, and potential cognitive delays.
To reduce exposure to phthalates, experts recommend avoiding processed foods, especially during pregnancy or when there are young children in the household. Dr. Sathyanarayana suggests choosing low-fat dairy products and avoiding high-fat foods, as phthalates accumulate in fat. She also recommends using glass, stainless steel, ceramic, or wood containers for storing food instead of plastic. Additionally, it is advised to wash hands frequently and remove shoes when entering the home to avoid tracking in household dust that may be contaminated with chemical traces.
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Frequently asked questions
A study of 30 cheese products detected phthalates in all but one of the samples tested. Phthalates are man-made substances that interfere with human hormones.
Phthalates are toxic industrial chemicals that are known to disrupt male hormones like testosterone. They have been linked to genital birth defects in infant boys and learning and behavior problems in older children.
Phthalates are believed to migrate into food from packaging and equipment used in manufacturing. They are unregulated and can seep into products from printed labels or plastic materials used in food processing.
While the concentration of phthalates in food may be low, they are still present at higher levels than natural hormones in the body. Experts suggest that the data adds to our understanding of how these chemicals are linked to human health, but consumers should not be alarmed by the findings.
Consumers can contact manufacturers and pressure them to investigate how phthalates are getting into their products and take steps to eliminate them. People can also choose low-fat dairy products and avoid high-fat foods, as phthalates accumulate in fat. It is also recommended to use glass, stainless steel, ceramic, or wood for storing food instead of plastic.
