Study finds fast food often contains harmful chemicals

New research suggests that fast foods often contain harmful chemicals found in soft plastics. In a study published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, researchers at George Washington University tested 64 fast food items from McDonald’s, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Domino’s, Taco Bell and Chipotle. They found small amounts of industrial chemicals called phthalates in all of the foods. Phthalates have previously been linked to many health problems, including fertility and reproductive problems. They have also been linked to an increased risk for learning, attention, and behavioral disorders in children. Foods sold by fast food chains are heavily processed, handled and packaged, giving the food plenty of opportunity to come into contact with phthalates.