Takeout food packaging from McDonald's and other popular restaurant chains could be laced with toxic PFAS "forever chemicals." Tell McDonald's: No more toxic takeout. Take Action:
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Friend,
A recent study found that McDonald's' Big Mac box and other takeout food packaging are likely treated with toxic chemicals called PFAS.[1]
PFAS chemicals are showing up in drinking water across the country and in most Americans' bodies.[2] They have been linked to increased risk for certain cancers, immune system suppression, and reduced birth weight.[3] Scientists have also found a potential link between exposure to PFAS and likelihood of getting COVID.[4]
We shouldn't have to worry that our lunch is wrapped in packaging coated with toxic chemicals. Tell McDonald's: Stop using toxic PFAS in your food packaging.
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Over a million Big Mac boxes are used and discarded each day.[5] The container is used once, but the chemicals can leach into the food putting customers' health at risk.[6] When the packaging is trashed, the chemicals leach into our groundwater from landfills, or end up in our air when incinerated, putting everyone's health at risk.[7,8]
For decades, giant chemical corporations have been making and selling them for use in food packaging for their grease and water resistance.[9]
Is it really worth risking our health so our hands don't get greasy? Send a message to McDonald's: Stop the toxic trash.
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Alternatives to PFAS-treated food packaging already exist. Nearly half of the samples tested in the recent study suggested PFAS treatment, but the other half were PFAS-free.[10] Some cities and states have started to ban PFAS-treated food packaging and move toward healthier alternatives. Major chains such as Chipotle, Taco Bell, and Panera Bread have announced action on PFAS. Most recently, health food chains Sweetgreen, Cava, and Freshii made commitments to move to PFAS-free food packaging in response to this study.
McDonald's is the biggest fast-food chain in the world. If we can convince McDonald's to take action, it will go a long way in shifting the food packaging industry away from these toxic chemicals.
Tell McDonald's: Make the switch to PFAS-free food packaging.
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Thank you,
Faye Park
President
1. "New Study Indicates Toxic Chemicals Used in Take-Out Food Packaging from Popular Chains," U.S. PIRG, August 6, 2020.
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2. "Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)," National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, accessed September 16, 2020.
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3. "Basic Information on PFAS," Environmental Protection Agency, accessed September 16, 2020.
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4. "Research suggests link between PFAS contamination and the coronavirus," North Carolina Health News, July 13, 2020.
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5. "McDonalds: 10 Facts You Didn't Know About The Big Mac," The Recipe, September 5, 2019.
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6. "Potentially Hazardous Chemicals Are Found in Fast-Food Packaging, a New Report Finds," Consumer Reports, August 6, 2020.
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7. "Potentially Hazardous Chemicals Are Found in Fast-Food Packaging, a New Report Finds," Consumer Reports, August 6, 2020.
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8. "Toxic PFAS Fallout Found Near Incinerator In Upstate New York," The Intercept, April 28, 2020.
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9. "Update on Perfluorinated Grease-proofing Agents," Food and Drug Administration, accessed September 21, 2020.
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10. "New Study Indicates Toxic Chemicals Used in Take-Out Food Packaging from Popular Chains," U.S. PIRG, August 6, 2020.
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