Toxic Chemicals May Be Used In Packaging For Big Macs And Whoppers, Study Finds

A report newly released by a pair of environmental advocacy groups reveals that toxic chemicals may be present in some of the containers and wrappers used by three major fast-food chains. Specifically, the findings uncovered PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. While the study found PFAS in food packaging, the chemicals are also found in other consumer products which never go near your mouth, such as carpeting and drapes. The chemicals, which are man-made, render materials resistant to grease and water. PFAS can be screened by the testing of total fluorine.

According to the study, the packaging for the two most iconic burgers in fast food—the Big Mac from McDonald’s and the Whopper from Burger King—both tested above the screening level for fluorine. The same was true for the chicken nugget bag from Burger King and the small French fry bag from McDonald’s. Wendy’s cookie bags also tested above the screening level, as did the competitor versions at both Burger King and McDonald’s.

Mind the Store and Toxic-Free Future released the report on Thursday, which is titled: “Packaged in Pollution: Are food chains using PFAS in packaging?” An independent laboratory conducted the tests in February, which included “a total of 38 food packaging samples from 3 states in 16 locations and 6 fast-food chains.” The study’s authors noted that PFAS pose a particular concern in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “Exposure to PFAS is an especially high concern in the context of COVID-19, since they are linked to suppression of the immune system, as well as chronic conditions that increase the severity of COVID-19,” the authors of the study wrote.

In response to the study, a McDonald’s spokesperson told Fox News that the company had cut a “significant subset” class of PFAS from its global food packaging. “We know there is more progress to be made across the industry and we are exploring opportunities with our supplier partners to go further,” McDonald’s told the outlet.

Restaurant Brands International, the parent company of Burger King, told Fox News through a spokesperson that the chain was “looking forward to extending our safe ingredients policy to include the removal of the short-term PFAS recently identified by the FDA.”

“We will work with our suppliers to remove them from all packaging by or, where feasible, earlier than the three years recommended by the FDA,” it added.

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