Burger King, McDonald’s and Wendy’s are not exactly known for having healthy menus, but it turns out that food is not the only thing you need to worry about at the popular fast food restaurants.
Because, according to a story by Business Insider, even the packaging is bad for you.
In a story posted on Yahoo News on Friday, Business Insider reported that a new study found PFAS – also known as ‘forever chemicals’, because they “could drag thousands of years in water and air” – in the packaging of ” the chains.
PFASs have been linked to cancer, liver damage and other health problems, reported.
It said that chains Sweetgreen, Freshii and Cava also had the chemicals in their packaging.
According to the report, 38 food packaging samples were tested over six chains, and “almost half” tested positive for fluoride levels indicating the presence of the chemicals.
And, if you want some really sober news, the report said that most of us are exposed to PFAS through contaminated food or drink and they “can be found in the bloodstream of 99% of Americans.”
Business Insider said the freezers at the three major civilian joints all likely contained PFAS, according to the study. Also, McDonald’s Big Mac containers “were probably treated with PFAS” as was a sample of a Burger King Whopper wrapper.
All bowls on the salad plates were “found to probably contain PFAS,” it said.
This is because, according to the report, the FDA is working on phasing out the use of ‘forever chemicals’ in food packaging.
The report said CNN reported that Cava, Sweetgreen, Freshii and McDonald’s have all said they are working to get rid of their packaging of the chemicals.
More: PFAS tests show elevated levels of toxic chemicals in drinking water: where?
