Health security

Chemical in macaroni and cheese tied to birth defects, says study

Your boxed macaroni and cheese might come with a surprise – in the form of harmful chemicals.

The chemicals – known as phthalates – are found in macaroni and cheese dishes that use powdered cheese, according to a new study by the Coalition for Safer Food Processing and Packaging.

Phthalates can pose a risk to small children and pregnant women as they can affect male hormones and have been associated with genital birth defects in infant boys, the New York Times reported. They have also caused learning and behavioral problems in children.