The PFAs commonly found in non-stick pans and waterproof gear are also in food packaging that keep fatty and oily liquids from leaking through, often used by fast-food joints.
Exposure to PFAs have been proven to cause a suppressed immune system, lower birth weight and increased risk for some cancers, Consumer Reports says. This is problematic for food chains using the packaging because the chemicals seep into the food and are ingested by consumers, the study shows.
The more you eat out, the higher levels of PFAs there are in your body, CR says.
The following eight fast-food joints had packaging with PFAs at or above 100 parts per million total organic fluorine, according to the study:
- Arby's: Paper bag for cookies
- Burger King: Paper bag for cookies
- Cava: Fiber tray for kids meal
- Chick-fil-A: Wrapper for sandwich wrap
- McDonald's: Paper bag for french fries
- Nathan's: Paper bag for sides
- Sweetgreen: Paper bag for foccaccia
- Taco Bell: Paper bag for chips
Click here for the full Consumer Reports study.
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