Annieâs Pledges to Purge a Class of Chemicals From Its Mac and Cheese The move comes nearly four years after a study showed that chemicals believed to cause health problems in children and reproductive issues in adults were found in mass-market macaroni and cheese packets. Annie’s is working with suppliers to make sure its macaroni and cheese does not contain traces of chemicals called ortho-phthalates. Taco Bell has pledged to remove phthalates from its packaging by 2025.Credit.Steve Karnowski/Associated Press Feb. 19, 2021 Nearly four years after traces of chemicals believed to cause health problems in children and reproductive issues in adults were found in mass-market macaroni and cheese packets, Annieâs Homegrown has begun working with its suppliers to eliminate the offending material from their food processing equipment.