Boxed mac and cheese isn’t just a beloved childhood classic; for many families, it’s practically its own food group. Parents of picky eaters can relate to the anxiety of discovering an empty pantry when a craving strikes. We often choose it for our kids, believing that the “cheese” offers protein and calcium. But what if they’re also consuming harmful chemicals?
A recent report highlighted by the New York Times reveals that many boxed macaroni and cheese products contain alarming levels of phthalates. Cue the collective gasp from parents everywhere.
Understanding Phthalates
Phthalates are concerning because they can disrupt male hormones like testosterone. Dr. Lisa Greene, a pediatric researcher at the University of Washington, emphasizes the connection between early exposure to phthalates—during those crucial mac and cheese years—and potential neurodevelopmental and behavioral issues in children, including aggression, hyperactivity, and possible cognitive delays.
And for expectant mothers craving comfort food, the news isn’t any better. Research indicates that phthalates may interfere with testosterone production even in utero. “This can lead to insufficient testosterone for developing male fetuses, raising concerns about reproductive organ malformations and related health issues later on,” explains Dr. Mark Thompson, a professor at the Center for Human Health at North Carolina State University.
The Organic Myth
If you think opting for organic boxed mac and cheese makes you safer, think again. “Our stance is that it’s present in all mac ‘n’ cheese products—you can’t just buy your way out of this dilemma,” says Sarah Johnson, executive director of the Environmental Health Strategy Center, which partially funded the study.
Phthalates aren’t listed as ingredients; they’re chemicals that linger on food processing equipment, such as plastic tubes, gaskets, conveyor belts, and packaging. They have a fondness for fatty foods, particularly powdered cheese. “The concentration of phthalates in the powder from mac and cheese mixes was over four times higher than that found in block cheese and other natural varieties,” Johnson added.
Regulatory Response
The FDA is aware of the presence of phthalates in our food but classifies them as “indirect food additives,” which is hardly comforting. A spokesperson for the FDA mentioned that they “continue to monitor research on these compounds as it becomes available.” Europe has already made strides in eliminating many phthalates from food production, so there’s a glimmer of hope that the U.S. might eventually follow suit.
Homemade Alternatives
In the meantime, while making mac and cheese from scratch is an option, any parent who has tried this knows that kids often turn their noses up at homemade versions, no matter how delicious they are. Looks like it’s crackers and applesauce for dinner.
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Conclusion
In summary, boxed mac and cheese, while convenient and often a favorite among kids, may come with unwanted chemicals like phthalates that pose health risks, particularly for young children and pregnant women. There are options for making mac and cheese from scratch, but that doesn’t always appeal to picky eaters.
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