Fast Food’s Toxic Secrets
When we think about fast food, we usually focus on the food itself—the greasy fries, the heavily processed burgers, and the sugary soft drinks. However, there’s something even more toxic than the food itself: the packaging and handling practices used by fast food chains.
Vinyl Gloves: A Hidden Source of Phthalates
Fast food workers wear vinyl gloves to prepare your meal, but these gloves contain phthalates, a group of chemicals known for their hormone-disrupting effects. Phthalates are particularly concerning for children, as studies have shown that exposure to phthalates can lead to lower testosterone levels in boys, which can cause developmental and hormonal issues later in life.
‘Forever Chemicals’ in Food Wrappers
Most fast food wrappers are coated with PFAS—a class of chemicals commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.” PFAS are used to make food wrappers resistant to grease and moisture, but they leach into your food, especially when the food is hot or greasy. Once inside your body, PFAS don’t easily break down and can lead to a range of health issues, including hormonal disruption, immune problems, and even cancer risk.
Even ‘Healthier’ Options Are Toxic
You might think that a “healthier” fast food option, like Chipotle, would be better. However, even places like Chipotle, which pride themselves on offering cleaner ingredients, have hidden toxins in their food prep practices. For example, Chipotle heats much of its food in plastic bags, which can release harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates into your food.
The Convenience Trap
It’s easy to see why so many families turn to fast food. Between busy work schedules, after-school activities, and everything else life throws your way, fast food is convenient, quick, and—on the surface—affordable. However, the hidden cost of these convenience meals is far too high when considering their health risks.
Non-Toxic Alternatives
So, what can you do when life gets busy and you still need a quick meal for the family? Fortunately, there are ways to get dinner on the table fast without sacrificing your family’s health. Here are a few alternatives to fast food that are both non-toxic and easy:
• Meal prep in advance: Spend a little time on the weekends prepping meals that can easily be reheated during the week.
• Pack non-toxic snacks: Keep high-quality, shelf-stable snacks, like homemade jerky, pemmican, or raw nuts.
• Quick, non-toxic meals at home: You don’t need hours to make a healthy, delicious meal. A quick grass-fed burger wrapped in lettuce, homemade tacos with grain-free tortillas, or a simple stir-fry can be prepared in minutes and is free from the harmful chemicals found in fast food packaging.
• Choose safer options when eating out: If you must grab food on the go, look for local restaurants that prioritize clean ingredients and use safer packaging.
Breaking Up with Fast Food
Canceling fast food doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice convenience. It’s about being mindful of the hidden dangers and making better choices for your family’s health. By taking control of what you eat and how it’s prepared, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the toxins lurking in fast food.
References:
- Edwards, Lariah, et al. “Phthalate and Novel Plasticizer Concentrations in Food Items from U.S. Fast Food Chains: A Preliminary Analysis.” Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, vol. 32, no. 3, Oct. 2021, p. 366.
- Pietro, Giada Di, et al. “Endocrine Disruptor Chemicals and Children’s Health.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 24, no. 3, Jan. 2023, p. 2671.
- Peritore, Alessio Filippo, et al. “Current Review of Increasing Animal Health Threat of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): Harms, Limitations, and Alternatives to Manage Their Toxicity.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 24, no. 14, July 2023, p. 11707.
- Bline, Abigail P., et al. “Public Health Risks of PFAS-Related Immunotoxicity Are Real.” Current Environmental Health Reports, vol. 11, no. 2, Mar. 2024, p. 118.
- Hafezi, Shirin A., and Wael M. Abdel-Rahman. “The Endocrine Disruptor Bisphenol A (BPA) Exerts a Wide Range of Effects in Carcinogenesis and Response to Therapy.” Current Molecular Pharmacology, vol. 12, no. 3, Aug. 2019, p. 230.