McDonalds- “I’m not loving it”

There’s no doubt that most hard-working Americans like their fast food. Even though they know
the bare facts – fast food is high in fat, sodium and sugar and can cause diabetes, heart disease
and obesity – they still eat tons of it every year. A 2013 Gallup survey reported that eight in 10
Americans eat fast food monthly, and almost half confessed to eating it at least once a week.
While most of us are aware that every mouthful of a McDonald’s meal contains fat-promoting
ingredients, we often don’t realize how many chemicals are in there too. Let’s look at 10
horrifying ingredients that should flip your appetite for a Big Mac. (RELATED: Learn more
about toxic food ingredients at Ingredients.news)
1. Ammonium sulfate
Ammonium sulfate is an inorganic salt used as a fertilizer and flame retardant, and it is also added
to Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide. But did you know that ammonium sulfate can also be found in a
burger bun? This nasty chemical has been associated with irritation of the gastrointestinal tract,
diarrhea, nausea and hormone disruption.
2. Silicone oil

If you are a chicken nuggets lover then you are a regular consumer of dimethylpolysiloxane, also
known as silicone oil. Silicone oil is a synthetic material used to make contact lenses, caulking,
silly putty and lubricants. The use of this non-biodegradable oil has been decreased in breast
implants due to safety concerns.

3. Cysteine-L
Cysteine-L is an amino acid synthesized from human hair or duck feathers. It is used to flavor
meat and soften bread and pastries. Consumption of cysteine-L has been linked to constipation,
diarrhea, vomiting, rashes, fever, headaches, drowsiness, low blood pressure and liver problems.
4. TBHQ
TBHQ, or tertiary butylhydroquinone, is a petroleum-based additive found in cosmetic products
and 18 different McDonald’s menu items. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has
classified this chemical as totally safe for human consumption, long-term use can result in
aggravation of ADHD symptoms, stomach cancer, damaged DNA and death.
5. Propylene glycol

Found in anti-freeze, e-cigarettes and fast food, propylene glycol can cause damage to the central
nervous system and worsen existing allergies and eye and skin conditions.
6. Prescription drugs

Researchers at the Johns Hopkins University found alarming levels of antidepressants and other
prescription, over-the-counter and banned drugs in chicken feed and chicken products from fast
food restaurants. Because McDonald’s doesn’t use organic chicken, their chicken products very
likely contain traces of prescription medications or antibiotics.

7. Dimethylpolysiloxane

Dimethylpolysiloxane is often added to cooking oils used to prepare McDonald’s filet-o-fish,

chicken nuggets and French fries. Besides being found in most fried fast foods,
dimethylpolysiloxane is also utilized in the production of silly putty, contact lenses, caulking,
shampoos and conditioners, breast implants, cosmetics, polishes and heat resistant tiles.

8. Carminic acid

Carminic acid is a red food dye synthesized by cochineal beetles. It is often added to fast food
meats to give them a more vibrant and appealing color. Until 2009, carmine, cochineal extract or
natural red 4, were classified as “natural dyes.” These days, however, the FDA requires carmine
and cochineal extract to be explicitly identified in ingredient lists because they can cause severe
allergic reactions in some people.

9. Cellulose

While cellulose may be a natural product produced from wood pulp, who wants to eat lots of
indigestible wood fibers? Cellulose is added to nearly every fast food item as a way to add volume.
It can be found in cheese, salad dressing, muffins and strawberry syrup, among many others. You
name it, and chances are wood pulp is in there.

10. Silicon dioxide

Also known as silica or industrial sand, silicon dioxide is used to make glass, optical fibers and
cement. The fast food industry often adds it to meat and sauces to keep them from clumping
together. In an industrial setting, workers handling silicon dioxide wear hazmat suits and masks.
Nonetheless, the FDA sees no harm in adding this industrial chemical to your burger bun.

Still lovin’ it? Next time you are looking for a quick meal, you may want to think twice before
heading to the closet McDonald’s restaurant.