Dangerous chemicals found in food wrappers at major fast-food restaurants and grocery chains

Dangerous chemicals found in food wrappers at major fast-food restaurants and grocery chains

 

Alarming levels of dangerous chemicals known as PFAS were discovered in food packaging at a number of well-known fast-food and fast-casual restaurants and grocery store chains, a new report found.   The highest levels of indicators for PFAS were found in food packaging from Nathan's Famous, Cava, Arby's, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Stop & Shop and Sweetgreen, according to an investigation released last week by Consumer Reports.   Often called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment, PFAS are used in food packaging to prevent grease and water from soaking through food wrappers and beverage cups. PFAS can also be found in the ink used to print logos and instructions on food containers.   The report comes more than two years into the Covid-19 pandemic, when the public has relied heavily on takeout and grocery deliveries.   The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls exposure to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) a "public health concern," citing studies that found the human-made chemicals can harm the immune system and reduce resistance to infectious diseases.   "There is evidence from human and animal studies that PFAS exposure may reduce antibody responses to vaccines," stated the CDC and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. "More research is needed to understand how PFAS exposure may affect illness from COVID-19."   PFAS chemicals are in many products like nonstick cookware, infection-resistant surgical gowns and drapes, cell phones, semiconductors, commercial aircraft and low-emission vehicles. The chemicals also are used to make carpeting, clothing and furniture resistant to stains, water and grease damage.   In use since the 1950s, PFAS are chemicals most Americans have "in their blood," especially perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)," according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, which is charged with protecting the public from hazardous substances.   In addition to effects on the immune system, the agency said, studies in humans and lab animals have found links between certain PFAS chemicals and an increase in cholesterol levels, changes in liver enzymes, a higher risk of kidney or testicular cancer, small reductions in infant birth weights and an additional risk of high blood pressure in pregnant women.