Toxic chemicals in one-third of fast food packaging - Study

A new study has suggested that the packaging fast food comes in could be harmful to the human health.


According to the study, scientist found fluorinated chemicals in one-third of the fast food packaging tested. These chemicals known as PFASs (for polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances) are used because of their grease-repellent, stain-resistant, water-repellant and nonstick properties in fast food industry, and also on other consumer products such as furniture, carpets, outdoor gear, clothing, cosmetics (and) cookware".

"The most studied of these substances (PFOSs and PFOAs) has been linked to kidney and testicular cancer, elevated cholesterol, decreased fertility, thyroid problems and changes in hormone functioning, as well as adverse developmental effects and decreased immune response in children. Previous studies have shown that PFASs can migrate from food packaging into the food you eat, stated a news release that accompanied the report.

According to the study, these fluorinated chemicals have also been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, hormone problems, high cholesterol, obesity and immune suppression in human and animal studies. 

“Our study is the most comprehensive assessment of how common fluorinated chemicals are in fast food wrappers in the U.S., and which types of wrappers are most likely to contain them,” said lead study author Laurel Schaider of the Silent Spring Institute in Newton, Massachusetts.

“We found that nearly half of paper wrappers, for instance wrappers for sandwiches and burgers and flat bags for cookies and pastries, contained fluorinated chemicals, and that around 20 percent of paperboard packaging, for instance boxes for French fries and fried foods, contained fluorinated chemicals,” Schaider added by email.

PFASs are man-made chemicals and are not found naturally in the environment. They have been used for decades in products ranging from food wrappers to clothing, nonstick cookware and fire-fighting foams. 

People may be exposed to these chemicals when they come in direct contact with these products, through the air they breathe, the food they eat and the water they drink.

Lead researcher, Schaider and colleagues tested for PFASs in more than 400 samples of paper wrappers, paperboard and drink containers from 27 fast food chains across the U.S.

More than half of the tests were carried out on food contact paper, including 138 wrappers for sandwiches or burgers, 68 wrappers for dessert or bread and 42 wrappers for Tex-Mex foods.

Overall, 46 percent of paper wrappers tested positive for PFASs. This included 38 percent of sandwich and burger wrappers, 56 percent of bread or dessert wrappers and 57 percent of wrappers for Tex-Mex food. 

Tests of 30 samples from paper cups didn’t show any of these chemicals. But in tests of 25 other beverage containers, 16 percent showed evidence of PFASs. 

'These studies have found that the extent of migration depends on the temperature of the food, the type of food and how long the food is in contact with the paper. And it depends on which specific chemical is in the packaging", said  Schaider.

The report was published in the journal of Environmental Science & Technology Letters.

Reuters