Study Shows High Levels Of Potentially Toxic Chemicals In Fast Food Containers
Fast food is a common and convenient way of eating for many people. We have known for decades that healthy food options and fast food are not necessarily in the same category, but what are the potential health risks of the containers it comes in?
The fast food industry has been using chemicals in their packaging for decades. In recent years, researchers have found that these chemicals can be toxic to humans. The most commonly used chemicals are PFASs (perfluoroalkyl substances and polyfluoroalkyl substances) which have been linked to infertility, cancer, hormonal imbalances, immune system dysfunction, high cholesterol, obesity and other diseases.
Fast food packaging is usually made of paper or plastic, and both materials contain PFAS. PFAS is a group of man-made chemicals that are used in products like non-stick pans and water-resistant clothing. A recent study found that people who eat fast food have higher levels of PFAS in their bodies than those who do not eat it. Those consuming products made at restaurants with containers using PFAS are more likely to suffer from diseases related to PFAS exposure. Consumer reports found that out of 100 surveyed restaurants, 24 of them utilized containers with high levels of PFASs, a potentially hazardous amount of the “forever chemicals”.
The biggest offenders were McDonald’s, Cava, Burger King, Arby’s and Chic Fil A respectively.
Arby’s cookie bag, for example, had 457.5 ppm, and Burger King’s bag for cookies or French Toast Sticks had 345.7 ppm. The Whopper wrapper also tested high at 249.7 ppm. Both the kids meal tray and the fiber bowl for grains or salads at Cava were over 500 ppm, as was the sandwich wrapper at Chick-fil-A.
The fast food industry is now taking notice of these health risks and starting to change their packaging materials with more sustainable options like paper boxes or wax paper bags. The FDA has been working with the fast food industry to reduce or eliminate the use of these chemicals in their packaging, but there is no timeline for when this will happen. In the meantime, there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to these chemicals:
- Meal prep and cook at home using items with low levels of PFAS
- Seek restaurants who use very low level PFAS containers
- Remove take out from packaging as soon as possible when you get home or to work
- Do not reheat your food in the container from the restaurant
