Let’s cook at home tonight.
Major fast food restaurants, such as McDonald’s, KFC, and Starbucks use PFAS-free wrappers in many countries that have strict regulations on toxic chemicals [1]. However, they still use wrappers with PFAS in countries with limited restrictions, including the United States. Why are PFAS allowed in fast food restaurants in America but not in Europe? Let’s take a closer look at which restaurants use PFAS and how to avoid these harmful chemicals in your food.
Why Are PFAS Used In Food Wrappers?
Want a Venti cup of forever chemicals? Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) have been used in the fast food industry for decades as a shield against heat, grease, and oil from ruining packaging and leaking through wrappers [1].
While this seems like a desirable trait, it does less than desirable things to our food. PFAS in wrappers can leach into foods, which we then eat. Even worse, heating PFAS chemicals increases the risk of contamination [2]. Fast food comes out hot and fast, which means wrapping them in PFAS immediately increases the risk of eating these harmful chemicals.
PFAS are extremely durable chemicals that could last hundreds of years in the environment, earning the reputation of “forever chemicals.” [3] Just as they can pollute the environment, PFAS can also accumulate in our fat tissues and be released into our blood [4].
PFAS exposure has been linked to many health concerns, including cancer and infertility [5]. Keep children away from PFAS, as they can stunt developmental and reproductive growth in children [6]. Limit your Big Mac intake while pregnant, as these chemicals can cross the placenta and impact families for generations [7].
These concerns have caused many companies to implement PFAS-free wrappers in their workflow. However, large companies aren’t practicing these commendable processes in all of their locations. Let’s take a closer look at this recent study on PFAS in fast food wrappers around the world.
A Shift Toward PFAS Ban in Food Wrappers
Change is coming, but it’s not happening everywhere. A recent study has raised concerns about the inconsistent use of PFAS in food packaging by major fast food chains across different countries [1].
The European Union (EU) has implemented various measures to restrict the use of PFAS in food packaging. Therefore, many popular chain restaurants have started using PFAS-free wrappers in their stores.
In response to the lack of federal initiatives safeguarding health and the environment, states and retailers are taking proactive measures. Washington state made history by enacting the initial state-level regulation restricting PFAS in paper food packaging in 2018, prompting a wave of companies to transition to PFAS-free alternatives [8].
Leading U.S. fast-food and fast-casual chains such as Panera Bread, Chipotle, McDonald’s, and Wendy’s have made public pledges to eliminate PFAS from their packaging. Additionally, numerous grocery retailers have outlined plans to decrease the presence of PFAS in food packaging. Furthermore, states like California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont have passed legislation prohibiting PFAS in food packaging, with San Francisco and Berkeley already enforcing bans covering the entire PFAS class.
The collective efforts of these states and businesses signal a growing momentum towards PFAS regulation, showcasing a commitment to health and environmental well-being.
Are There PFAS in Food Wrappers Used by Fast Food Restaurants?
The International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN) examined 119 food packaging samples from 17 countries. Results found that 64 wrappers, or 54% of samples, contained PFAS [1]!
This shocking study highlighted an example of inconsistent practices. A McDonald's hamburger wrapper from Denmark (where PFAS are restricted) showed no intentional PFAS treatment. However, the same wrapper from Germany and the Czech Republic (where no such legislation exists) contained PFAS.
While viable alternatives to PFAS-treated materials exist, the food companies approached for comment have not yet provided substantial responses regarding their PFAS policies. This lack of transparency is concerning, given the potential health risks associated with PFAS exposure.
Which Fast Food Restaurants Have PFAS in Food Wrappers?
Like Germany and the Czech Republic, America doesn’t have strong regulations on PFAS in food wrappers. Therefore, there’s a good chance that the wrappers that tested high for PFAS in other countries will also have high PFAS levels in the United States.
Fast food restaurants that tested high for PFAS in wrappers include:
- McDonald’s
- KFC
- Burger King
- Subway
- Starbucks
- Dunkin’ Donuts
- Jolly Time
Dr. Jitka Straková, the lead researcher of the PFAS food wrapper study, expressed concern about PFAS exposure through fast food packaging, especially given its popularity among young people. Consider cooking at home more often so that you can control your exposure to PFAS.
Why Do Some Companies Use Different Packaging Materials Based on Country?
Some quick-service companies use packaging with PFAS in some countries while using PFAS-free packaging in other countries.
These discrepancies are due to varying regulations and practical reasons. Many supplies are ordered in bulk. Therefore, the companies might have these materials in their inventory, and are using them until their supplies run out.
As a result, fast food restaurants may use food wrappers with PFAS in countries that don’t have strict regulations. This mismatch allows companies to stick with PFAS packaging where it's allowed to save costs and avoid the hassle of changing packaging for different markets.
Also, switching to PFAS-free options can be costly and require operational adjustments. Finding alternatives with similar performance, especially in repelling grease and water, can be challenging and may be pricier or need production process changes.
This leads some companies to keep using PFAS packaging where permitted to save money and maintain supply chain consistency. While this may benefit their business in the short term, it raises concerns about safety standards and environmental impacts differing between regions.
Viable Alternatives for PFAS-Free Food Wrap
Wrap up a healthy, nutritious meal with the use of PFAS. Eat clean with foods wrapped in PFAS-free alternatives.
Molded Fiber Packaging
Innovation is the key to avoiding PFAS in foods. One such solution could be molded fiber packaging. These materials are crafted from recycled paper or plant-based fibers like sugarcane bagasse and bamboo.
This eco-friendly packaging is carefully crafted by mixing water and pulp together. It turns renewable materials into bowls, plates, and food boxes that are versatile and dependable, like PFAS-coated packages.
The inherent advantages of molded fiber packaging lie in its renewable sourcing, biodegradability, customizable nature, and superior protective qualities.
However, the recent PFAS food wrapper study uncovered that the highest PFAS concentrations were found in plant-based molded fiber products advertised as biodegradable or compostable. This shows that even with regulations in place, product testing is needed to ensure a true PFAS-free product.
Areca Palm Leaf Packaging
Arekapak and similar companies use sun-dried areca palm leaves to craft eco-friendly packaging that's biodegradable and chemical-free. These leaves are naturally sturdy, heat-and-cold-resistant, and repel water without any added chemicals.
By thoughtfully processing these palm leaves, companies can provide sustainable packaging options that meet the demand for environmentally conscious solutions.
Low-Tox Compounds for Barrier Coatings
The ZeroF Project, supported by the EU, is working on creating safer food wrappers by using eco-friendly materials. They're developing innovative technologies, such as bio-based polymers made from plants and proteins. These ingredients act as protective layers for food packaging.
They're also exploring nanocellulose, a plant-derived material that has shown potential in packaging to resist water and grease without hurting the environment.
In addition, ZeroF is exploring other natural ingredients like chitosan from shellfish and plant waxes. They aim to develop coatings that keep food fresh without any harmful chemicals.
Fast Food Industry Response to Food Wrapper-PFAS Study
Restaurant Brands International (RBI), which owns Burger King, Popeyes, and Tim Hortons, made a significant commitment in March 2022 to ban added PFAS in food packaging globally by 2025 [8]. RBI's commitment extends to working with packaging vendors to ensure that added PFAS is not included in their packaging, including in the recycled content of some of their paper packaging.
Similarly, Yum Brands, the parent company of KFC and Pizza Hut, has committed to eliminating PFAS from their food packaging by 2025 [9]. In addition to PFAS, Yum is also removing phthalates and BPA from their packaging, showing a broader commitment to reducing potentially harmful chemicals in their products.
These commitments by major fast-food chains set an industry standard that may encourage other companies to follow suit.
However, it's important to note that the 2025 timeline for these commitments allows for a gradual transition. This delay may be due to the challenges in finding suitable alternatives and adapting supply chains.
While this gradual approach may disappoint some environmental advocates who push for more immediate action, it allows companies to thoroughly test and implement safer alternatives without compromising food safety or quality.
With that said, wrappers made with PFAS alternatives still tested positive for PFAS. So, we may not truly have PFAS-free products until product testing becomes regular and more transparency is practiced by companies.
What to Do About Fast Food Companies Using Food Wrappers with PFAS
Don’t feel helpless in this fast-paced fast food world. Use your voice (and dollar) to be the change you want to see in this world.
Consider reaching out directly to these companies to express concerns and advocate for safer alternatives. Share this blog and study on social media. Tag these brands asking them to act sooner in changing their processes.
Raise awareness and prompt discussions on the importance of avoiding PFAS in food packaging. Spread the word to friends and family to help empower others to make informed choices about their food.
By engaging in these actions, individuals can collectively drive change towards safer and more environmentally conscious practices within the fast food industry.
How to Avoid PFAS Food Contamination
Steer clear of PFAS in food packaging. Prepare more meals at home to have control over the ingredients and materials involved. Opt for whole, unprocessed foods to minimize exposure to potentially contaminated packaging. Avoid nonstick cookware. Instead, cook away with stainless steel, clay, glass, or cast iron options, as these materials do not contain PFAS. Filtering your water is important as PFAS contaminants can leach into water sources. Using a certified water filter can help reduce the presence of these harmful substances in your drinking and cooking water. By being mindful of these practices, you can reduce your exposure to PFAS and promote a healthier, safer food preparation environment.
Resources
[1] https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.estlett.2c00926
[2] https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.estlett.0c00255
[3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0269749122002950
[4] https://setac.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/etc.4890
[5] https://dceg.cancer.gov/research/what-we-study/pfas
[6] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412019323347
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7473499/
[8] https://toxicfreefuture.org/federal-policy/pfas-in-food-packaging
[9] https://product.enhesa.com/537397/kfc-pizza-hut-set-to-eliminate-pfas-bpa-phthalates-from-packaging-by-2025