A ground-shaking story appeared recently about Mac and Cheese in the New York Times. According to the article “a new study of 30 cheese products has detected phthalates in all but one of the samples tested, with the highest concentrations found in the highly processed cheese powder in boxed mac and cheese mixes.” Translation? Whether you use organic or non-organic boxed mac and cheese, chances are your family has been exposed to the potential health hazard. Thankfully there are alternatives to boxed versions of Mac and Cheese which are nearly as convenient to prepare.
Below is an excerpt from the New York Times article:
The chemicals, called phthalates, can disrupt male hormones like testosterone and have been linked to genital birth defects in infant boys and learning and behavior problems in older children. The chemicals migrate into food from packaging and equipment used in manufacturing and may pose special risks to pregnant women and young children.
The Food and Drug Administration has not banned their presence in foods, though a 2014 report to the Consumer Product Safety Commission urged federal agencies to assess risks “with a view to supporting risk management steps.” The report concluded that food, drugs and beverages, and not toys, were the primary source of exposure to phthalates.
Now a new study of 30 cheese products has detected phthalates in all but one of the samples tested, with the highest concentrations found in the highly processed cheese powder in boxed mac and cheese mixes. The report, which was conducted by an independent laboratory and paid for by environmental advocacy groups, has not been published in a peer-reviewed journal.
As noted in the article, the report still needs to be scientifically peer-reviewed in order to bolster the recent findings as an emergent truth rather than a politically biased one. Yet it doesn’t hurt to take a more proactive approach at home. Honestly, the biggest immediate impact will be the loss of convenience. Macaroni and Cheese has been a quickly prepared go-to-kids-meal choice for generations. The upside? The required increase in hands-on preparation will result in a better tasting meal.
Easy Preparation Recipe Ideas for homemade Mac and Cheese
Food Lab: 3-Ingredient Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe
How To Make One-Bowl Microwave Macaroni and Cheese
The Best Macaroni and Cheese Recipe via NYT Cooking
And for the adventurous, here are 6 decadent mac and cheese recipes for comfort food perfection from the good folks at Cool Mom Picks.
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