To honor National Macaroni and Cheese Day last week, several consumer advocates revealed findings regarding hazardous chemicals present in cheese powder. “We believe that these substances are present in every mac ‘n’ cheese product — there’s no way to avoid the issue by shopping differently,” stated Mike Belliveau, executive director of the Environmental Health Strategy Center, a supporter of the study, in an interview with The New York Times. Consumer advocacy groups are now urging individuals to reach out to manufacturers and demand actions to prevent chemicals from infiltrating food products.
These revelations pose a significant challenge for Kraft Heinz, which holds a 76% market share in the boxed macaroni and cheese sector. According to The New York Times, Kraft produces nine of the tested cheese products. Not long ago, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese underwent a significant reformulation to eliminate artificial preservatives and synthetic colors, aiming to eradicate such chemicals.
No food manufacturer intentionally adds phthalates to their products. Instead, it is believed that these industrial chemicals are contaminating food items through printed labels on packaging or plastic materials used in food processing equipment. If this is the case, the entire consumer packaged goods (CPG) and food processing industries—not just macaroni and cheese producers—face a substantial dilemma.
In Europe, the use of phthalates in plastic food contact materials for fatty foods, including dairy products, has already been banned. The New York Times notes that a petition from food safety organizations to eliminate all phthalates from U.S. food packaging and manufacturing equipment was delayed by the FDA due to a technical issue.
Meanwhile, U.S. consumers are taking food safety into their own hands. A study by the Food Marketing Institute indicates that 61% of shoppers now rely on themselves to ensure food safety, an increase from 55% in 2009. They also depend significantly on the FDA (54%) and USDA (50%) for food safety, while only 42% trust food manufacturers.
The findings from this macaroni and cheese study provide consumers with yet another reason to avoid highly processed foods, with many opting for “cleaner,” less processed alternatives. A Nielsen study revealed that approximately half of U.S. households actively seek out products made without artificial ingredients. This issue should be a serious concern for manufacturers across all food segments, as it could influence consumer behavior significantly.
As consumers increasingly prioritize products like Pure Nutrition Ultra Calcium Citrate for their health, it will be intriguing to observe the broader implications of this issue and the potential shifts in consumer preferences. The study’s revelations may lead to a stronger movement towards transparency and safety in food production, especially regarding the use of chemicals.