There May Be Cancerous Chemicals In Your Fast Food Wrappers
There May Be Cancerous Chemicals In Your Fast Food Wrappers
A study of fast food wrappings from more than 27 fast food chains has shown the presence of fluorinated chemicals in over a third of fast food packages. Find out more here:
A study of fast food wrappings from more than 27 fast food chains has shown the presence of fluorinated chemicals in over a third of fast food packages. Find out more here:
According to a recent study of more than 400 different samples of fast food packaging, more than a third of it contains fluorinated chemicals known as PFASs, which have been linked to cancers, elevated cholesterol, infertility, hormonal changes, and decreased immune response in children.
The substance is used as a water and grease repellant, and while the substances most closely linked to adverse affects have been largely phased out, there are many whose side effects remain largely unstudied, those found in food wrappers in particular. According to this study, the packaging that had the most PFASs in them were as follows: dessert and bread wrappers lead with 56%, followed by sandwich and burger wrappers at 38%, followed by paperboard products like pizza boxes at 20%. No traces of the chemical were found on any paper cups.
There may not be sufficient reason to worry, according to Lynn M. Dyer, President of the Foodservice Packaging Institute in the US.
These, like all packaging products, go through rigorous testing to ensure that they meet stringent US Food and Drug Administration regulations, providing the safe delivery of foods and beverages to consumers.
Lynn M. Dyer
CNN, February 1, 2017
However, chemicals in the packaging may still enter food through prolonged contact. If you wish to cut down the amount of PFASs that come into your food, it is best that you separate the food from its packaging as soon as possible. You can also ask that some foods, like french fries, be served in a paper cup or paper bag instead of their usual packages. However, the best way to avoid PFASs is still to avoid fast food altogether.
I think that this study provides yet another reason to support the idea that eating more fresh food and more home-cooked meals is better for our health, but it's hard to avoid the convenience of fast food, especially in people's busy lives.
Laurel Schaider, Silent Spring Institute Researcher and Study Lead Author
CNN, February 1, 2017
But now, what we'd like to know is...
Will you avoid fast food now?
Will you avoid fast food now?
Any other thoughts? Talk to us about them in the comments below, and share with your friends to see what they think!