Concerns Rise Over Fast Food Links to Health Issues, Including Nearly Doubled Cancer Rates in Young Americans
Recent developments have highlighted significant concerns regarding the potential health impacts of popular fast food, including links being explored between certain orders and a rise in colon cancer among young people. This comes alongside reports of harmful chemicals found in food packaging and recent food contamination events.
Data indicates a worrying trend: colon cancer rates in Americans under 50 have nearly doubled since 2002. While multiple factors like “forever chemicals” are being investigated, experts are highlighting potential drivers including the rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria and challenges in mass food production.
Adding to the concerns, a food poisoning outbreak linked to McDonald’s last year involving E. coli from contaminated onions in Quarter Pounders infected 104 people across 14 states. The outbreak resulted in 34 hospitalizations, four cases of HUS (Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome), and one death. While there is currently no evidence that this specific McDonald’s E. coli outbreak is linked to any cancer cases, experts believe it underscores growing problems with food contamination in the United States that could have devastating health consequences. E. coli can be found in contaminated water used to irrigate crops or clean farming equipment, potentially exposing food to bacteria. Following the outbreak, other chains like Burger King, Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut also stopped using onions as a proactive measure.
Separate reports reveal that food packaging from major fast food chains has been found to contain cancer-causing “forever chemicals,” known as PFAS. These substances do not naturally break down and can build up in the body over time. PFAS have been linked to a host of health concerns, including an increase in some cancer types, autoimmune diseases, and liver damage. A recent consumer report specifically identified harmful PFAS in the packaging of chains including Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell, McDonald’s, and Burger King. Lawsuits are now being filed against companies like McDonald’s and Burger King following these findings. It is noted that fatty and salty foods may be more likely to absorb these chemicals from packaging. Many individuals in the U.S. have likely already been exposed to these chemicals and may have some level in their blood.
In response to concerns, some restaurant chains have committed to removing PFAS from their packaging. Cava, Chipotle, Freshy, Panera Bread, Sweet Green, and Wendy’s reportedly committed to removing PFAS by the end of 2021. Chick-fil-A’s website indicated plans for such packaging to be phased out by the end of summer 2022. However, the widespread presence and potential health impacts of PFAS remain a significant issue.
The rise in colon cancer rates among young people is seen as highly concerning, prompting calls for greater seriousness regarding food contamination, chemical exposure, and potential links to diet and lifestyle.
