Is it safe to eat fried food from grease-resistant paper?
Based on 2 peer-reviewed studieskitchen
Verdict: Avoid
No. Grease-resistant paper usually has PFAS coatings that transfer to hot fried food.
What's actually in it
French fries, burgers, and fried chicken come in grease-resistant paper or bags treated with PFAS. Hot fat pulls PFAS from the paper into the food. Some chains have phased out PFAS packaging; many haven't.
What the research says
A 2025 study in J Hazard Mater showed PFAS-related particles damage gut cells. A 2025 study linked PTFE to lower sperm quality.
Pick chains that advertise PFAS-free packaging. Transfer fries to a plate quickly. Cook at home with a cast iron pan for fry night.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| PTFE microplastics induce oxidative stress in human intestinal cells. | J Hazard Mater | 2025 |
| Therapeutic Repair of Sperm Quality Decline Caused by PTFE. | Adv Sci (Weinh) | 2025 |
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