Mac and Cheese Products Contain Harmful Chemicals

The cheese powers in ten varieties of macaroni and cheese products tested all contain toxic industrial chemicals (known as phthalates), according to the Coalition for Safer Food Processing and Packaging, a national alliance of leading public health and food safety groups.

Phthalates (THAL-eights) are hormone-disrupting chemicals that can lower testosterone, the male sex hormone, and alter thyroid function. Scientists have linked exposure to some phthalates, during pregnancy and early childhood, to changes in the developing brain that may result in kids who grow up struggling to succeed in school, at work, and in life.

“Serving up one of America’s favorite comfort foods shouldn’t mean exposing your children and family to harmful chemicals,” said Mike Belliveau, executive director of the Environmental Health Strategy Center, a coalition member.

Two million boxes of macaroni and cheese are sold every day in the United States.

An 'indirect' food additive

“Scientists say there are no known safe levels of phthalates for vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and young children," said Charlotte Brody, RN, national director of Healthy Babies Bright Futures, a coalition member.

Federal scientists reported this year that up to 725,000 American women of childbearing age may be exposed daily to phthalates at levels that threaten the healthy development of their babies, should they become pregnant.

Scientists agree that for most people, the greatest exposure to phthalates comes from the food we eat.

Phthalates are not intentionally added to food, but are classified as “indirect” food additives by government agencies. Industrial chemicals commonly added to plastics, rubber, adhesives, inks, and coatings, phthalates have been shown to migrate into food products during food processing, packaging, and preparation.