2nd Kraft Class Action Lawsuit Claims Toxic Mac and Cheese Ingredient Linked to Health Issues

Kraft mac and cheese contains a toxic ingredient dangerous to pregnant women and children, according to a new class action lawsuit filed in Massachusetts federal court Thursday.  

Lead plaintiff, Michelle Francione, claims that Kraft Heinz Food Company is well aware of the link between the ortho-phthalates (phthalates) and asthma, allergies, obesity, and hormone interference in children, but continues to include the chemical in its popular mac and cheese. Further, she claims that phthalates could easily be removed, but Kraft refuses to do so.  

Francione wants to represent consumers like her in Massachusetts who she says purchased the product and served it to their families without being warned of the risks. 

The plaintiff says that she purchased two versions of Kraft mac and cheese, boxed and cups of the product that can be microwaved. She says that both versions contain phthalates, but Kraft does not disclose the presence of the toxic chemical on the packaging.  

Francione alleges that she and other consumers would not have purchased or paid as much for Kraft mac and cheese products had they known they contained phthalates.  

The class action lawsuit alleges that phthalates get into Kraft mac and cheese during the manufacturing process. The chemicals are known as “indirect” food additives and are shed by plastic processing equipment, as well as food packing materials.  

Phthalates bind with the fats found in Kraft mac and cheese, leaving the products with a higher concentration of the chemical.  

Research has revealed links between phthalates and a number of health conditions, including asthma, attention disorders, breast cancer, obesity, and diabetes, alleges the class action lawsuit. Even minimal exposure to the chemical has been linked to developmental deficits and phthalates have been banned in children’s products, such as teething rings and plastic books.  

Francione accuses Kraft of deceptively marketing its mac and cheese products as safe, despite having elevated levels of phthalates. The plaintiff points to statements on the packaging, including “NO Artificial Flavors,” “NO Artificial Preservatives, and “NO Artificial Dyes.” 

“These representations and promises lead reasonable consumers to believe a Product is wholesome and healthy and does not contain dangerous chemicals like phthalates,” states the class action lawsuit.  

The plaintiff says she and other consumers were duped into thinking Kraft mac and cheese products were safe for their families, unknowingly exposing them to a potentially dangerous chemical.  

Francione seeks to represent other Massachusetts consumers who purchased Kraft mac and cheese. She wants damages for herself and her proposed Class, as well as attorney and court fees.  

The food giant is also facing a California class action lawsuit alleging Kraft macaroni and cheese products contain toxic chemicals. Similar allegations were also made in a class action lawsuit concerning Annie’s Mac and Cheese and other General Mills products earlier this year.

Do you eat Kraft mac and cheese? Are you concerned about the allegedly toxic ingredients? Tell us about it in the comment section below.  

The plaintiff is represented by Edward L. Manchur of The Law Offices of Edward L. Manchur, PC.  

The Kraft Toxic Mac and Cheese Class Action Lawsuit is Francione v. Kraft Heinz Foods Company, Case No. 1:21-cv-10928-PBS in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.  

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