Eating out increases levels of phthalates in the body

US research discovers 35% increase in levels of chemical linked to disease in those who dined at restaurants the previous day.

Burgers and sandwiches were linked to higher phthalate levels in the research, but only if purchased at a restaurant or cafe.

Eating at restaurants and fast food chains may increase exposure to potentially harmful hormone-disrupting chemicals used to increase the flexibility and durability of plastic, a study has found.

Researchers investigating levels of phthalates in the human body, which have been linked to asthma, breast cancer, type 2 diabetes and fertility issues in the past few years, were found to be nearly 35% higher in participants who had eaten out the previous day compared with those who stayed at home.

Phthalates are binding agents frequently used in food packaging as well as a number of other products including flooring, adhesives soaps and shampoos, and some forms of the chemical have been banned from children’s products in the US.

Adolescents who frequently ate at fast-food outlets while out with their friends had 55% higher levels of the chemicals than young eating at home.

Examination Survey (NHANES) collected between 2005 and 2014.

A total of 10,253 people was asked to recall what they ate and where their food came from over the previous 24 hours. Levels of phthalate biomarkers were measured in each participant’s urine. Of the whole group, 61% reported dining out the previous day.