Although food product recalls can be a scary thing, especially if something you purchased or something you frequently buy was recalled, many consumers return to using the product soon after recall scares are over. Kraft is no different in this capacity, and just last year they recalled over 6 million boxes of macaroni and cheese that had metal shards in it.
The United States, Puerto Rico, and some Caribbean and South American countries were all affected by the metal contamination and was brought to Kraft’s attention after eight consumers complained. There were no reported injuries, and Kraft issued a statement saying, “We deeply regret this situation and apologize to any consumers we have disappointed.”
Kraft is no stranger to recalls, and in recent years had to recall American Singles cheese slices because of improper storage for one of its ingredients and Velveeta Shells and Cheese because wire bristles were found in some packages. Both of these recalls are worrisome because improper storage could lead to illness and metal contamination runs the risk of both illness and injury.
Even though Kraft may be considered responsible for their decision to recall products, Kraft macaroni and cheese and other highly processed foods still present a danger to consumers everywhere. The mac and cheese itself contains Yellow 5 and 6 food dyes, both of which have already been banned or restricted in the UK and many European nations. These dyes are added to the mac and cheese and other products to make the product look tastier and more appealing, causing consumers to make repeat purchases.
The danger with these dyes is that they are derived from petroleum, contain cancer-causing benzidine and other potentially carcinogenic chemicals that have been known to damage DNA and cause severe cell damage. These artificial colors have also been linked to hyperactivity and decreased concentration in children, cancer, and allergic reactions (such as asthma).
A 2012 study conducted on the toxicology of food dyes stated that, “The inadequacy of much of the testing and the evidence for carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, and hypersensitivity, coupled with the fact that dyes do not improve the safety or nutritional quality of foods, indicates that all of the currently used dyes should be removed from the food supply and replaced, if at all, by safer colorings.”
It’s clear that the reason so little research has been conducted on the dangers of these food dyes is to remain ignorant and continue to place them in our food products. America should be following the bans of other countries or, at the very least, investigating the reasons for such restrictions and making their own decisions.
Kraft macaroni and cheese is a delicious staple in the American household and, with the lack of proper research added to the deniability that these huge companies have, it seems that “ignorance is bliss” goes well beyond theory and into practice.
What do you think? Should these food dyes, and others like them, be banned or restricted in the US? Comment your thoughts below and share this article!
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