Happy national Mac and Cheese day! Now step away from the box and put that spoon down.

Steel yourself for some bad news. You know that gloriously gooey concoction you grew up with, the one that even your pickiest kid will eat, the one that makes cooking after a hard day at the office a little less trying, well, it’s really bad for you and it’s even worse for your kids. Yup, the ultimate comfort is pretty dangerous for your health. Related Articles • • • A recent report shows that certain boxed mac and cheese products, as well as certain processed cheeses, are riddled with chemicals from their packaging that leach out into the food inside. The study specifically looked at phthalates, potentially dangerous chemicals used to soften plastics. This stuff has already been banned from baby bottles, rubber duckies and teething rings because they could pose a health hazard. Unfortunately,, phthalates were detected in 29 out of 30 cheese products tested, including ten different phthalates in all, with as many as six found in a single product.

The study examined 10 commercial macaroni and cheese dry mixes, five types of processed cheese and 15 natural cheeses, including hard, shredded, string and cottage cheese varieties. Macaroni and cheese (Mark DuFrene/Staff) “Average phthalate levels were more than four times higher in macaroni and cheese powder samples than in hard blocks and other natural cheese, in fat of products tested,” the report said. Word 5.x for mac. “The findings are not surprising or inconsistent, unfortunately, with increasing literature that has documented phthalates easily getting into and staying in especially dairy products,” said Dr. Leonardo Trasande, associate professor at NYU Langone Medical Center.

Homie i rly cant cook this is not a drill or a joke but this turned out ok so yknow just shouldn't have gotten all ambitious with the breadcrumbs. Jul 14, 2017 - Consume this in normal quantities and you will be fine. The comforting packet of powder that turns boxed mac and cheese into a creamy delight has always. We should figure out whether they are dangerous and harmful. Skype for business mac auto start.

How dangerous is it? Phthalates have been found to disrupt hormones like testosterone and impact the development of the male reproductive system, sometimes leading to genital birth defects in baby boys, experts say., they have also been linked to childhood behavioral problems and learning disorders. Among the other health issues that could the triggered by these chemicals are high blood pressure and a resistance to insulin in children. The good news is that Europe has banned many phthalates used in plastics, but the bad news is that the FDA is more lenient.

Indeed, about 710 million boxes of dry mix macaroni and cheese were sold in the U.S. In 2012, according to the study.

That may partially explain why a 2014 scientific review concluded that “dairy products were the greatest source of dietary exposure to the phthalate DEHP for infants and women of reproductive age.” Are you looking to make your home a phthalates-free zone? Experts advise that the best way to avoid phthalates is to avoid processed food. “Eating fresh fruits and vegetables in particular is a great way to avoid contact with the food packaging in the first place,” Trasande said. Other precautionary measures you can take include never microwaving in plastic, as the extreme heat can cause the chemical to seep into your food. Also, never use the dishwasher to clean plastics. Use glass and stainless steel to store food and if a plastic container is damaged in any way, don’t use it. And what are lovers of mac and cheese to do?