Mac & Cheese May Have Chemicals, Parents Everywhere Say, 'F*ck'

The campaign petition stated: "Most people don't know that some of Kraft's cheese products may contain toxic chemicals called phthalates". These phthalates are hormone-disrupting chemicals that could cause reproductive and thyroid issues, as well as neurological problems in kids and unborn babies. But they haven't been banned from foods, and The New York Times reports that phthalates may still be present in high concentration in macaroni-and-cheese products.

While the report did not disclose the names of specific products tested, nine of the cheese products tested were made by Kraft, which makes most of the macaroni and cheese products sold. In products such as cheese mixes, including the organic ones, the concentration of phthalates was found to be four times higher than the permissible limit.

They researchers looked for 13 different types of the chemicals and discovered all but two - and up to six different phthalates were found in some products.

But could serving up one of America's favorite comfort foods be exposing you to harmful chemicals? The chemical comes into the products from packaging and the equipment that is used for manufacturing the products. But as the Times points out, in 2014 the Consumer Product Safety Commission asked federal agencies to consider the chemicals' risks "with a view to supporting risk management steps". Because phthalates bind with fat, high-fat foods, such as cheese, are especially susceptible.

Emerging research has also suggested links between early childhood exposure to phthalates and neurodevelopmental and behavior problems in young children, including aggression, hyperactivity and possible cognitive delays, said Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana, associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington in Seattle, who studies phthalates.

The study was conducted by the Coalition for Safer Food Processing and Packaging which is basically a group of consumers, scientists, doctors, and health activists. Some phthalates have been linked to genital birth defects and they might lead to an increase in the risk of testicular cancer and lower fertility, according to Prevent Harm, an organization that helps to prevent the consumption of toxic chemicals in every day life.

There is strong evidence that phthalates block the production of the hormone testosterone. Even more recently, the European Union took action to ban the chemicals in food contact materials.

They are not intentionally added to food - the chemicals seep from food processing equipment like plastic tubing and conveyor belts.