Introduction
We all know that fast food isn’t the healthiest option, but a new study has revealed that some of the most popular fast-food items contain harmful chemicals that can have serious health implications. From burgers to fries, many of the items we eat on the go contain chemicals that can increase our risk of cancer, heart disease, and other health problems. In this article, we’ll look at the findings of the study and provide some tips on how to make healthier choices when it comes to fast food. So, if you’re looking to make healthier choices when it comes to fast food, read on to find out what you should be eating and what you should avoid.
Popular Fast-Food Items Contain These Harmful Chemicals, New Study Finds — Eat This Not That
A new study has revealed that many popular fast-food items contain harmful chemicals that can have a negative impact on your health. The study, conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), looked at the ingredients in over 3,000 fast-food items from more than 200 chains and found that many of them contain chemicals that are linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and other health issues.
The study found that many of the chemicals used in fast-food items are not listed on the labels, making it difficult for consumers to know what they are eating. Some of the most common chemicals found in fast-food items include artificial colors, preservatives, and flavor enhancers. These chemicals can be found in items such as burgers, fries, chicken nuggets, and other popular fast-food items.
The study also found that some of the chemicals used in fast-food items are linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and other health issues. For example, some of the chemicals used in fast-food items are known to be endocrine disruptors, which can interfere with the body’s hormones and lead to health problems. Other chemicals found in fast-food items are linked to cancer, reproductive issues, and other health issues.
The study also found that some of the chemicals used in fast-food items are linked to obesity. For example, some of the chemicals used in fast-food items are known to increase appetite and lead to weight gain. Other chemicals found in fast-food items are linked to inflammation, which can lead to a variety of health issues.
The study concluded that it is important for consumers to be aware of the chemicals used in fast-food items and to make healthier choices when eating out. The EWG recommends avoiding fast-food items that contain artificial colors, preservatives, and flavor enhancers, and opting for healthier options such as salads, fruits, and vegetables.
Reasons abound why fast food isn’t the top health choice when it comes to your diet, but a new study is adding another negative characteristic to this pile of evidence: your favorite burgers, burritos, and fries are laden with harmful plastics.
A new study out of George Washington University examined the levels of industrial chemicals called phthalates in 64 common fast-food orders from McDonald’s, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Domino’s, Taco Bell, and Chipotle. And unfortunately for us consumers, they found high levels of these harmful chemicals in almost all the burgers, pizzas, fries, and burritos tested.
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The highest levels of phthalates, however, were found in items containing meat, like chicken burritos and cheeseburgers. Cheese pizzas and fries had the lowest levels of the chemicals.
Phthalates are usually found in things made of plastic—from rubber gloves to packaging materials. So how do they get into your food? There are many potential points of entry along the food supply chain, an industry expert told The Washington Post. During production, food will frequently come into contact with plastic packaging, safety gloves, conveyor belts, etc., and the particles can get transferred onto the food items. This is especially true for highly processed items that comprise your fast-food order.
While the CDC states that the effects of low levels of phthalates on human health still aren’t clear, animal studies have shown the chemicals can be harmful to the reproductive system of mammals. A human study has shown that they act as endocrine disruptors and can have negative long-term effects on human health.
Some phthalates were banned from consumer items like toys, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate the legal thresholds of these substances in food. However, the agency has said it would review the new study and take its findings into consideration.
“Although the FDA has high safety standards, as new scientific information becomes available, we reevaluate our safety assessments,” an FDA spokesperson told The Post. “Where new information raises safety questions, the FDA may revoke food additive approvals, if the FDA is no longer able to conclude that there is a reasonable certainty of no harm from the authorized use.”
None of the fast-food brands involved in the study have commented on the results.
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