Fast Food Packaging Research Articles

A comparative study of solid bioplastic containers and containers Styrofoam for fast food packaging

A comparative study of solid bioplastic containers and containers Styrofoam for fast food packaging

Preliminary Screening of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Philippine Fast Food Packaging Using Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on paper packaging resist water and oil to effectively contain food and beverages. However, previous studies have established correlations between PFAS and several diseases including COVID-19, cancers, and obesity. The goal of this collaborative research between the Philippines and Singapore is to set a baseline for PFAS levels in local packaging with the intended outcome of further increasing awareness on these contaminants in Southeast Asia, providing a starting point for migration experiments and risk assessments on PFAS in commercially-available food contact materials and articles, and initiating policy developments on these substances in the Philippines. In this study, 15 different types of PFAS were analyzed in selected paper packaging used by major quick service restaurants (QSRs) in Metro Manila. Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), PFAS was detected in 100% of the samples with a total PFAS concentration range of 8.20-97.7 ng PFAS/100 cm2. The highest amount of PFAS compound measured across all samples was PF-3,7-DMOA (89.8 ng/100 cm2). PFAS compounds regulated in European packaging such as PFHpA, PFOA, PFNA and PFDA were also detected in all samples but at trace levels. Paper wrappers for rice and small burgers were found to have the highest total PFAS of 97.7 ng PFAS/100 cm2. This value translates to approximately 65.1 ng F/100 cm2 which is way below 10,000 ng F/100 cm2, the currently existing limit for PFAS in packaging set by the Danish Ministry of Environment and Food. While each packaging may be deemed safe compared to regulation, the compounded effects brought by use of multiple packaging, and high frequency and long-term exposures require further investigation.

Analysis of Pepsi Brand Advertising Implementation Using #Betterwithpepsi for Fast Food Brands

Pepsi's recent advertisement campaign, which features the tagline #BetterWithPepsi, was launched in honor of National Burger Day. The campaign has been promoted across all social media platforms and showcases portraits of fast-food packaging that incorporate Pepsi's signature colors into the branding of popular fast-food chains such as Burger King, McDonald's, and Wendy's. This advertisement has been analyzed using semiotic theory by Roland Barthes, who suggests that the use of the advertisement is akin to a collaboration or combination between fast food and drinks that complement each other, such as Pepsi. The tagline #BetterWithPepsi implies that the public will consume food and drinks that are always together, thereby creating a mindset that associates the consumption of food with the use of Pepsi. The advertisement's use of semiotics is evident in the incorporation of Pepsi's colors into the branding of other fast-food chains, which creates a visual association between the two. This association is further reinforced by the tagline, which suggests that the consumption of food is incomplete without the addition of Pepsi. The advertisement's effectiveness can be attributed to its ability to tap into the public's desire for convenience and the need for a complete dining experience. By positioning Pepsi as an essential component of the fast-food experience, the advertisement creates a sense of loyalty and brand recognition among consumers.

Exploring antimicrobial and biocompatible applications of eco-friendly fluorescent carbon dots derived from fast-food packaging waste transformation

In the face of escalating environmental concerns, particularly the pervasive issue of non-biodegradable fast-food packaging waste, this study introduces a ground-breaking solution that not only addresses waste management but also advances biomedical technology. Utilizing the underexploited resource of Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide from brown algae, we have innovatively transformed fast-food packaging waste into eco-friendly fluorescent carbon dots (FPCDs). These FPCDs were meticulously characterized through advanced techniques like FT-IR, TEM, and XRD, shedding light on their unique structure, morphology, and composition. A significant discovery of this study is the potent antimicrobial properties of these FPCDs, which demonstrate remarkable effectiveness against specific bacterial and fungal strains. This opens new avenues in the realm of biomedical applications, including imaging, drug delivery, and biosensing. Furthermore, extensive toxicity assessments, including the Brine shrimp lethality assay and Adult Artemia toxicity tests, underscore the safety of these nanoparticles, bolstering their applicability in sensitive medical scenarios. Our research presents a compelling dual approach, ingeniously tackling environmental sustainability issues by repurposing waste while simultaneously creating valuable materials for biomedical use. This dual benefit underscores the transformative potential of our approach, setting a precedent in both waste management and medical innovation.

Determination of several PFAS groups in food packaging material from fast-food restaurants in France

Per- and polyfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) are a large group of toxic compounds which have been widely used in industrial and consumer applications, from where they can migrate into the environment. They can pose a risk to human health because they have been associated with several diseases. To obtain more information on the risk of PFAS in fast food packaging materials, several PFAS (perfluorocarboxylic acids or PFCAs (n = 16), perfluorosulfonic acids or PFSAs (n = 14), and a miscellaneous group constituted by sulfonamides (n = 5) and fluorotelomer phosphate esters or PAPs (n = 5)) were quantified in food contact materials (FCMs) from fast-food restaurants in France. Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (6:2 FTS) and 6:2/6:2 fluorotelomer phosphate diester (6:2/6:2 diPAP) were detected in all samples. PFCAs with shorter chain lengths (C4–C6) showed the highest concentrations compared to median (C7–C10) and longer chain length PFCAs (C11–C18). However, they had lower detection frequencies (DFs) (except for PFHxA, DF = 100%) with values of 36 and 34% for C4 and C5 PFCAs, respectively. The DF of longer chain length PFCAs was higher, especially those of the median chain length PFCAs (C8–C10, with DF = 79–98%). Analytes from the PFSA group with high DFs (70–98%) were perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS, linear and branched) and 10:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (10:2 FTS), with concentrations similar to some analytes from the PFCA group. 4:2 Fluorotelomer phosphate monoester (4:2 mPAP), 8:2 fluorotelomer phosphate monoester (8:2 mPAP) and 8:2/8:2 fluorotelomer phosphate diester (8:2/8:2 diPAP) were found with the highest concentrations (<0.006–42.7 ng g−1, <0.001–2.7 ng g−1 and <0.001–287 ng g−1, respectively) and the highest DFs (ranged 68–94%). Some correlations between analytes were found, indicating similar degradation routes or a common origin.

Fast-food packaging can emit volatile PFAS

Compostable fast-food containers, designed to be more environmentally friendly than single-use plastic ones, can release toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into the air, according to an analysis of samples from retailers in Toronto ( Environ. Sci. Technol. Lett. 2023, DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.2c00926 ). The results suggest that polymers with fluorinated side chains, which are used to make paper-based food packaging grease resistant, break down over time into volatile fluorotelomer alcohols and fluorotelomer methacrylates. Researchers screened 42 samples—including molded fiber bowls, burger wrappers, and popcorn bags—for total fluorine content. The molded fiber bowls contained the highest levels. Analysis of eight of the samples revealed up to 14 PFAS in each. The most abundant PFAS in all but one of the eight samples were 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol and 6:2 fluorotelomer methacrylate. Surprisingly, total PFAS levels dropped by up to 85% after the products were stored for 2 years, says Marta Venier ,

Fast-food packaging can emit volatile PFAS

Fast-food packaging can emit volatile PFAS

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Canadian Fast Food Packaging.

A suite of analytical techniques was used to obtain a comprehensive picture of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in selected Canadian food packaging used for fast foods (n = 42). Particle-induced gamma ray emission spectroscopy revealed that 55% of the samples contained <3580, 19% contained 3580-10 800, and 26% > 10 800 μg F/m2. The highest total F (1 010 000-1 300 000 μg F/m2) was measured in molded "compostable" bowls. Targeted analysis of 8 samples with high total F revealed 4-15 individual PFAS in each sample, with 6:2 fluorotelomer methacrylate (FTMAc) and 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (FTOH) typically dominating. Up to 34% of the total fluorine was released from samples after hydrolysis, indicating the presence of unknown precursors. Nontargeted analysis detected 22 PFAS from 6 different groups, including degradation products of FTOH. Results indicate the use of side-chain fluorinated polymers and suggest that these products can release short-chain compounds that ultimately can be transformed to compounds of toxicological concern. Analysis after 2 years of storage showed overall decreases in PFAS consistent with the loss of volatile compounds such as 6:2 FTMAc and FTOH. The use of PFAS in food packaging such as "compostable" bowls represents a regrettable substitution of single-use plastic food packaging.

‘Garbology’ as a Determinant of Social Class Stratification, Living Standards and Domestic Waste Foot Print in Selected Urban and Peri-Urban Centers in Uasin Gishu County in Kenya

Garbological audits of a given society can reveal both past and present lifestyles, living standards, professions and health status. That what people have owned and thrown away can speak more eloquently, informatively, and truthfully about the lives they lead than they themselves ever may. Garbology depends on the primary premise that one can conclude a considerable amount of information about an individual or group through the composition of their trash receptacles. The material leftovers of past human activity can exemplify on the lives of individuals that disposed of the items that include; paper, clothing, magazines, books, diaries, minutes of meetings, anniversary brochures, food remnants, fast-food packaging, disposable diapers, and grocery bags. This work examined the role of Garbology as a possible domestic waste foot print, social class and living standards indicator in a classical African urban centre by examining House-hold waste from various neighborhoods. The present study considered Garbology as a means of evaluating the socio-economic profile of residents in selected urban and peri-urban centers in Uasin Gishu County in Kenya. In this study 40 subject respondents were purposefully identified and interviewed using a stratified questionnaire to establish their responses in Garbology as a tool to project socio-economic stratification of a given society based on the nature and quantities of waste they dispose. The respondents were classified socio-economically as: -[(Upper class, 45%; middle class, 32.5%; Lower class, 22.5%)]. Data were mainly collected through in-depth interviews. The Garbological audit from the respondents show the following information about the people who disposed the waste:-[(Travel preferences, 26%; Health status, 32%; Household demographics, 86%; Religious convictions, 60%; Profession/career, 25%; Consumer habits/income levels, 92%)].The findings indicate that Garbological audits are effective in determining and projecting socio-economic indicators of a society past and present.

Study on the barrier properties and antibacterial properties of cellulose-based multilayer coated paperboard used for fast food packaging

Some petroleum-based packaging materials have a series of safety issues, and as a result, people are more inclined to use biodegradable and nontoxic packaging materials for foods. However, biodegradable alternatives often need to be modified to overcome their own shortcomings. In this paper, carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS)/carboxymethyl cellulose sodium (CMC) + polylactic acid (PLA) nano zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (CMCS/CMC + PLA/ZnO NPs) multilayer coated paperboard was prepared to explore its potential use in food package applications. The multilayer CMCS/CMC + PLA coating reduced the oxygen transmission rate by 99% and doubled the barrier properties for soybean oil penetration and water vapor compared with a single PLA coating layer in a 23 °C/50 RH environment. The oil resistance time of the multilayer CMCS/CMC + PLA coating also increased 28 times, and the water vapor barrier properties increased twofold compared to a single CMCS/CMC coating layer. The water vapor barrier properties increased by a factor of 3 even at 38 °C/90 RH. Compared with the CMCS/CMC + PLA coating without nanoparticles, the barrier performance of the CMCS/CMC + PLA/ZnO NPs coating was further improved. The oxygen, water vapor, and heptane vapor barrier properties all doubled, and the oil resistance time reached 235 h. While a corona treatment reduced the polar component content in the CMCS/CMC coating and led to a slight decrease in the barrier properties of the coating to heptane, it was still a good oil-repellent coating overall. The antibacterial activity (A) toward Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus exceeded 2, which meant that the multilayer coating with 1.5% added ZnO NPs reduced the growth of bacteria by more than 99%. The multilayer coated paperboard created here with the blended and modified materials significantly improved the barrier and antibacterial properties, suggesting that multilayer coatings prepared from degradable materials have good commercial prospects as fast food packaging.

Perfluoroalkyl acids in surface sediments from the lower Yangtze River: Occurrence, distribution, sources, inventory, and risk assessment

In this study, the occurrence, spatial distribution, potential sources, mass inventory, and ecological risk assessment of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in surface sediments from the lower Yangtze River were investigated based on field and laboratory assays conducted in November 2019. The total concentrations of 13 target PFAAs (∑PFAAs) ranged from 13.83 to 20.33 ng/g dw, and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) were predominant in the surface sediments with average concentrations of 2.89 and 4.07 ng/g dw, respectively. The ∑PFAAs concentrations in pore-water ranged from 23.30 to 58.81 ng/L, and PFOA and PFOS were predominant with mean concentrations of 6.29 and 5.04 ng/L, respectively. The profiles of PFAAs composition in surface sediments showed limited difference. Results of fugacity model revealed that PFOS was in relative equilibrium, whereas PFOA exhibited a diffusion trend from sediments to water body. Correlation analysis and positive matrix factorization demonstrated that the main sources of ∑PFAAs were electroplating and fast-food packaging, degradation products and textile, mixed sources, and PFOA-based products. The mass inventory of ∑PFAAs was estimated to be 1680.72 kg, and the results of ecological risk assessments based on equilibrium partition and species sensitivity distribution methods suggested that the hazards of PFAAs in sediments to local aquatic organisms are low. However, the evaluation methods and control measures of PFAAs in surface sediments are still limited, requiring further research.

Circular Economy Strategies: Use of Corn Waste to Develop Biomaterials

The circular economy is a process through which elements that have already been used are reincorporated and given a second use so that they can reduce the consumption of virgin raw materials. This article shows how, from the reuse of an agro-industrial waste such as corn husks, a biomaterial can be developed that manages to standardize the properties of materials such as paper and cardboard, thus allowing the development of single-use products that replace the excessive expense of materials such as polymers. In this article, it will be possible to show how from the process of transforming an agro-industrial waste into a raw material base, it is possible not only to reduce the number of raw materials discarded but also to redesign a product that not only contributes to the environmental component but also facilitates the processes of economic sustainability when generating products. As a practical case, a comparison is made between traditional fast-food packaging and how from these, a new packaging proposal can be generated, which starts from the principles of circular economy and complements sustainable design processes to make more efficient manufacturing of the mentioned product.

Presence of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Food Contact Materials (FCM) and Its Migration to Food.

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemical compounds widely used in different industry fields including food contact materials (FCM), providing resistance to fat and humidity, and non-stick properties. PFAS enter into the food chain directly from the intake of contaminated food or indirectly from the migration of the FCM into the food. This exposure published in different research highlights a public health concern. Therefore, it is necessary to perform analysis of the content of different FCM and evaluate the migration from the FCM under normal conditions of use and storage. This bibliographical review proves that different perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl compounds are detected in fast food packaging, microwave popcorn bags, and frying pans, among others. Furthermore, it shows the conditions or factors that favor the migration of the PFAS from the FCM into the food.

Determination of phthalate concentrations in paper-based fast food packaging available on the U.S. market

ABSTRACT Phthalates are one of many chemical compounds that are used as plasticisers. Packaging can transfer plasticisers to the surfaces of foods or other materials. A recent study suggested a link between fast food consumption and increased urine phthalate metabolites even though phthalates are most commonly found in food contact materials made of PVC while fast food packaging is most commonly composed of paper and paper board. Phthalates in PVC are usually present in percent concentrations. In non-PVC food contact materials, such as paper or paperboard, the concentrations, if any, are expected to be significantly lower which can greatly impact the analytical method used for their determination. Due to the widespread use of plasticised PVC in many commercial applications, background concentrations of phthalates are a concern for trace concentration analyses and background contamination must be avoided when performing these analyses. A glassware cleaning method was developed and a solvent extraction with dichloromethane and hexane was used to extract phthalates from paper-based food packaging. The extracts were then analysed using a GC-MS/MS. The minimum reporting concentrations for the method were determined to be 0.10–0.40 µg/g depending on the phthalate investigated. Phthalate concentrations in several different non-PVC printed and unprinted packaging are presented. Of the 54 packaging samples tested, 10 samples contained no reportable concentrations of any of the 6 phthalates investigated. Of those that were reportable, all measured lower than 10 µg/g and in fact, most had concentrations less than 1 µg/g. These data demonstrate that phthalates from fast food packaging do not significantly contribute to overall consumer exposure.

중식 패스트푸드 포장용기 디자인 제안

중식 패스트푸드 포장용기 디자인 제안

Effects of fast food packaging plasticizers and their metabolites on steroid hormone synthesis in H295R cells

The health risks of exposure to plasticizers have received widespread attention, however, little is known about the effects of fast food packaging plasticizers on steroid hormone synthesis. In the present study, the types and migration of plasticizers in some commonly used fast-food packaging materials were detected by GC–MS, and the interference effects of these plasticizers and their metabolites on steroid hormone synthesis in the human body were evaluated by the H295R steroidogenesis assay. The GC–MS results showed that the main plasticizer compounds that migrated from fast food packaging into food were di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA). Exposure to these chemicals (100–1000 μM) can significantly reduce the viability of H295R cells in a dose-response manner, and these plasticizers and their metabolites that migrated into oily foods at high temperatures (0.25–25 μM) could significantly increase the E2 level and reduce the T level in H295R cells. According to the qRT-PCR data, 0.25 to 25 μM mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) significantly upregulated the expression levels of 17β-HSD1 and CYP19A1, and downregulated those of CYP17A1, CYP11A1 and StAR. The Western blot results were consistent with those of qRT-PCR. In summary, these results indicated that even exposure to low concentrations (≤1 mg/l or 2.5 μM) of these chemicals and their metabolites can cause significant endocrine-disrupting effects.

Comparative analysis of the toxicological databases for 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (6:2 FTOH) and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)

6:2 Fluorotelomer alcohol (6:2 FTOH) is a short-chain polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) in polymeric PFAS used in fast food packaging and stain- and water-resistant textiles and may be degradation products of some components of aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF). The general population is exposed to 6:2 FTOH by inhalation of evaporates from treated surfaces or ambient concentrations in air, ingestion of indoor dust, or ingestion of food packaged in materials containing PFAS. Although exposure to 6:2 FTOH is pervasive, little is known concerning human health effects of this compound. Some published risk assessments have assumed that perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), a metabolite of 6:2 FTOH, adequately models the human health effects of 6:2 FTOH. Recently identified studies conducted with 6:2 FTOH and its metabolite, 5:3 acid, have provided information that enables comparison of the toxicological profiles of PFHxA and 6:2 FTOH. This article summarizes a comparative analysis of the toxicological effects of PFHxA and 6:2 FTOH in rodents to determine whether data for PFHxA adequately models potential hazards of 6:2 FTOH exposure. Our analysis demonstrates that 6:2 FTOH is significantly more toxic than PFHxA. Use of toxicological studies conducted with PFHxA to assess 6:2 FTOH exposure may significantly underestimate human health risk.

Dietary Habits Related to Food Packaging and Population Exposure to PFASs.

Background:Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are common industrial and consumer product chemicals with widespread human exposures that have been linked to adverse health effects. PFASs are commonly detected in foods and food-contact materials (FCMs), including fast food packaging and microwave popcorn bags.Objectives:Our goal was to investigate associations between serum PFASs and consumption of restaurant food and popcorn in a representative sample of Americans.Methods:We analyzed 2003–2014 serum PFAS and dietary recall data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We used multivariable linear regressions to investigate relationships between consumption of fast food, restaurant food, food eaten at home, and microwave popcorn and serum levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS).Results:Calories of food eaten at home in the past 24 h had significant inverse associations with serum levels of all five PFASs; these associations were stronger in women. Consumption of meals from fast food/pizza restaurants and other restaurants was generally associated with higher serum PFAS concentrations, based on 24-h and 7-d recall, with limited statistical significance. Consumption of popcorn was associated with significantly higher serum levels of PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, and PFOS, based on 24-h and 12-month recall, up to a 63% (95% CI: 34, 99) increase in PFDA among those who ate popcorn daily over the last 12 months.Conclusions:Associations between serum PFAS and popcorn consumption may be a consequence of PFAS migration from microwave popcorn bags. Inverse associations between serum PFAS and food eaten at home—primarily from grocery stores—is consistent with less contact between home-prepared food and FCMs, some of which contain PFASs. The potential for FCMs to contribute to PFAS exposure, coupled with concerns about toxicity and persistence, support the use of alternatives to PFASs in FCMs. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP4092

Corporate Social Responsibility in McDonald’s Australia

This case focuses on marketing public policy and legislation issues in the business environment. The Commonwealth Government of Australia wants to impose mandatory warning labels for fast-food served by quick-service chainrestaurants like McDonald’s. These warnings are to appear on fast-food packaging to warn diners of the possible harms arising from consuming fast-food. This is similar to the warnings that are used in Australia on tobacco product packages. This highlights a turning point where legislators appear to be heeding calls of vocal pressure groups to curb and legislate the industry’s activities. The loudest calls have appeared in well-publicized legal cases and film documentaries like Super-Size Me. McDonald’s has been well-aware of these challenges. The company continues to respond and fight legal challenges on these points. As a result, the company has improved its supply chain, employees’ work-conditions, their treatment of animals, their stores, food and customer service to offer leaner, healthier and more upmarket products. The few vocal critics who have secured media coverage seem to rely on sensationalizing the issue — e.g., eating McDonald’s for 30 days makes you fat. They seem to ignore the results from other experiments where people who ate suitable portions of McDonald’s food for the same 30 day period actually lost weight. Other challenges that have been found to be lies in courts of law include allegations of animal cruelty, unsafe food and food that makes people obese. Yet the public continue to believe these allegations. Can the industry do more, or do something different, to change people’s minds?

Fluorinated Compounds in U.S. Fast Food Packaging.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are highly persistent synthetic chemicals, some of which have been associated with cancer, developmental toxicity, immunotoxicity, and other health effects. PFASs in grease-resistant food packaging can leach into food and increase dietary exposure. We collected ~400 samples of food contact papers, paperboard containers, and beverage containers from fast food restaurants throughout the United States and measured total fluorine using particle-induced γ-ray emission (PIGE) spectroscopy. PIGE can rapidly and inexpensively measure total fluorine in solid-phase samples. We found that 46% of food contact papers and 20% of paperboard samples contained detectable fluorine (>16 nmol/cm2). Liquid chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis of a subset of 20 samples found perfluorocarboxylates, perfluorosulfonates, and other known PFASs and/or unidentified polyfluorinated compounds (based on nontargeted analysis). The total peak area for PFASs was higher in 70% of samples (10 of 14) with a total fluorine level of >200 nmol/cm2 compared to six samples with a total fluorine level of <16 nmol/cm2. Samples with high total fluorine levels but low levels of measured PFASs may contain volatile PFASs, PFAS polymers, newer replacement PFASs, or other fluorinated compounds. The prevalence of fluorinated chemicals in fast food packaging demonstrates their potentially significant contribution to dietary PFAS exposure and environmental contamination during production and disposal.