Fast-food giant McDonald’s has banned the class of toxic chemicals per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from guest packaging materials.
Test results indicated that McDonald’s used PFAS-contaminated packaging in one of its best-sellers, the Big Mac.
Toxic-Free Future Science Director Erika Schreder warned that PFAS could raise cholesterol, damage immune response, and cause other health problems. The toxic chemicals also remain forever in the environment and contaminate drinking water.
McDonald’s, the world’s largest fast-food chain, said it is committed to removing all added fluorinated compounds from its packaging materials globally by 2025.
The company also disclosed it has already eliminated BPA, BPS, and phthalates in its guest packaging.