Hormone-disrupting chemicals found in Fast Food

New research has revealed yet another potential health risk from eating fast food: it contains hormone-disrupting chemicals known as phthalates that have been linked to a variety of health problems.

The study, published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology Wednesday, analyzed 64 food samples from six burger, pizza and Tex Mex restaurants in San Antonio, Texas.

“We found phthalates and other plasticizers are widespread in prepared foods available at U.S. fast food chains, a finding that means many consumers are getting a side of potentially unhealthy chemicals along with their meal,” lead author Lariah Edwards, a postdoctoral scientist at George Washington University, told Gizmodo. “Stronger regulations are needed to help keep these harmful chemicals out of the food supply.”