Are disposable cardboard take-away food packaging and dishes, whose use has exploded with the health crisis, ultimately harmful to health? Yes, according to a study conducted by nine European NGOs, including the French association Générations Futures
The chemicals singled out by this study are perfluoroalkylated substances, or PFAS. These substances are used to waterproof packaging and are used in large quantities in the fast food and take-away industries (bags for sandwiches or pastries, food boxes, French fry cones, etc.).
According to the report, they are powerful endocrine disruptors that are never eliminated by the body. The European Food Safety Authority (Efsa) explains PFAS substances " accumulate in the body.
Their presence in the body could have carcinogenic effects, but also impacts on cholesterol levels and even on the immune response to vaccination.
The use of PFAS is now perfectly legal
The study analyzed 42 products from various European countries, including France. Result:" traces of PFAS were detected in all samples selected for laboratory analysis" . Concentrations are particularly high in " molded fiber products (e.g., bowls, plates, and food boxes) advertised as disposable, biodegradable, or compostable.»
If the use of PFAS is perfectly legal today, NGOs ask for their ban because of their toxicity for both the environment and the human body.
