Phthalates and other plasticizers help make fast food packaging more flexible – increasing durability and softness – and are also found in food processing equipment and food preparation materials, like gloves. The problem is that these plasticizers can disrupt hormones and they can leach into food during processing, preparation and handling.
Little is known about the long-term effects of phthalates and replacement plasticizers; however, recent studies show that there are detectable levels of these endocrine disrupting plasticizers in popular food items from major fast food chains.
Learn more about what this means for fast food aficionados at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hormone-disrupting-chemicals-found-in-popular-us-fast-foods