Invented by Ruth M. Siems in 1972 and introduced by General Foods, Stove Top Stuffing quickly became a fan favorite. A Kraft Foods spokesperson stated that 60 million boxes are sold each year at Thanksgiving. The turkey version consists of bread, high fructose corn syrup, salt, onion, turkey, celery, parsley, and the controversial BHA and BHT.

Ingredients and Their Bans

BHA and BHT are two chemicals used as flavor enhancers and food preservatives. In the EU, these chemicals are banned because they are carcinogens. Even in the US, where they are legal, there is growing evidence of their harm. Dr. Neha Pathak, MD, on WebMD's Medical Team, explained that a lot of countries have stricter rules around food ingredients. In the US, the approach is often "innocent until proven guilty," but there is increasing concern about the cancer risk associated with BHA and BHT.

Animal studies have shown that high doses of these chemicals can cause tumor development in rats and hamsters, and they are classified as reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens. There are also concerns that they may be endocrine disrupters, interfering with our hormonal functioning and potentially impacting reproductive or developmental health. Additionally, there is a risk of allergic reactions, such as skin rashes or hypersensitivity responses.

The Impact on Diet

Dr. Pathak emphasized that 70% of American diets are made up of ultra-processed foods, which often contain dangerous ingredients like BHA and BHT. While the stuffing we eat on Thanksgiving is just a small part of the problem, it highlights the need to be more thoughtful about what we eat year-round. We should pay attention to food labels and start eliminating some of these harmful ingredients from our diets.

Dr. Pathak admitted that she also eats ultra-processed foods in her own home but stressed the importance of being more aware. She called for higher-level action to get harmful ingredients out of the food supply. A spokesperson for the Stove Top brand stated that every box is crafted with care and follows high-quality standards while exceeding safety guidelines.

What to Do

So, does this mean we should give up our beloved boxed stuffing? The answer is complicated. Dr. Pathak advised not to stress out about everything we put on our plates. We can't eliminate all ultra-processed foods overnight, but we can make small changes. By being more mindful of the ingredients we choose, we can start eating a safer and healthier diet.

Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy family and food, and Stove Top Stuffing can still be a part of that. But we should be aware of the potential risks and make informed choices. As Dr. Pathak said, "It does take more time than some of us have, but it's important to recognize that 70% of what we're putting into our bodies is ultra-processed."