A new study shows that chemicals known as phthalates, which have been linked to health problems, have been detected in food from popular chains like McDonald’s, Chipotle and more.
The peer-reviewed analysis was published this week in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology by researchers from George Washington University, the Southwest Research Institute (San Antonio, Texas), Boston University and Harvard University.
The research includes items from McDonald’s, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Domino’s, Taco Bell and Chipotle locations in San Antonio, Texas. Researchers obtained 64 food samples of hamburgers, fries, chicken nuggets, chicken burritos and cheese pizza from the chains.
They found that over 80% of the foods contained a phthalate called DnBP. And 70% contained the phthalate DEHP. Both of the chemicals have been linked to reproductive health problems.
Lariah Edwards, an author of the analysis and a postdoctoral research scientist at George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health, told USA TODAY that it’s “concerning” to find these chemicals “detected in the foods that we ingest.”
Phthalates are added to plastics to make them softer, and they can transfer from plastics used for food handling, such as gloves, tubing and more. They have been linked to reproductive problems, learning and attention problems in children and more, Edwards said.
To read more of Marina Pitofsky's article, click here, Fast food from Domino's, McDonald's contained chemicals in plastics (usatoday.com)
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