In addition to having an excess of saturated fat, it seems fast-food may possess other hidden health dangers.
A new study has found evidence of toxic compounds in paper wrappers being used for takeaway packs in most parts of the world.
And if these drain into food, which they often do, they could potentially cause cancer, experts warn.
Researchers from Nevada’s Silent Spring Institute tested more than 400 paper wrappers, containers and cups from 27 fast-food restaurants across the US.
They detected polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) in nearly half of the packaging and 20 per cent of the paper containers.
Mexican food, desserts and breads were the most likely to contain the toxic compounds, the study published in the Environmental Science & Technology journal found.
A more detailed analysis of 20 smaller samples found that perfluorooctanoic acid – a compound currently being phased out in the US – was also evident.
This is particularly worrying considering that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three children eat fast food every day.
Previous research has shown that these substances can migrate into food and, when discarded in landfills, may contribute to elevated levels of PFASs in the environment.
“Children are especially at risk for health effects because their developing bodies are more vulnerable to toxic chemicals.”
However, it may not be the direct fault of the manufacturers.
Many of the compounds that appeared were identified at different levels, suggesting some were present from older, recycled materials.
And, worryingly, even the newer compounds used in food packaging isn’t necessarily healthy.
“The replacement compounds are equally persistent and have not been shown to be safe for human health,” says co-researcher Arlene Blum, founder of the Green Science Policy Institute.
“That’s why we need to reduce the use of the entire class of highly fluorinated compounds. The good news is there are non-fluorinated alternatives available.”
Last year, experts at the Milken Institute School of Public Health found people who ate lots of fast food had higher level of phthalates in their urine.
Phthalates are known to disrupt hormones and have previously been linked to asthma and autism.
A common takeaway pack 