Chick-fil-A does not currently use intentionally added PFAS in its food packaging. Following reports of "forever chemicals" in its sandwich wrappers, the chain fully phased out intentionally added PFAS from its chainwide supply chain in the summer of 2022 and continues to test materials to maintain this standard.
Does Chick-fil-A's packaging contain PFAS? Products with oil and grease resistant coatings containing PFAS were fully phased out chainwide in the summer of 2022.
While there is no immediate medical treatment or magic pill to "flush" PFAS out overnight, your body eliminates them naturally over time through bodily functions like urination, sweating, and blood loss (such as menstruation).
Seafood, particularly shellfish (clams, crab, oysters) and freshwater fish, consistently tests highest for PFAS. This is closely followed by animal-derived products, processed foods, and items in grease-resistant packaging.
Whether Chick-fil-A has "bad" ingredients depends on your dietary preferences, but the food is heavily processed and relies on additives commonly found in fast food.
Chick-fil-A is generally only as bad as your order dictates. While it is easy to consume a massive amount of sodium, calories, and refined oils, strategic ordering (like choosing grilled options) can make it one of the healthier fast-food choices available.
At Chick-fil-A, a "red flag" on your receipt simply indicates a special or unconventional order. It is an internal communication code used by the cashier to alert the kitchen staff in the back of house that an item requires special attention, custom preparation, or falls outside the standard menu.
Consumer studies and independent laboratory testing have found that Ziploc brand bags do not contain detectable levels of PFAS ("forever chemicals").
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PFAS are generally considered more dangerous than microplastics. While both are widespread "forever pollutants," PFAS are toxic at extremely low levels and are definitively linked to severe, confirmed health issues. Microplastics are physically invasive, but their direct health effects on humans are still being studied.
The only definitive way to know if PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are in your body is through a specialized blood test. Because PFAS are widely used in consumer and industrial products, nearly everyone in the U.S. has measurable amounts in their blood.
Several popular bottled water brands consistently test at non-detectable levels for "forever chemicals" (PFAS). Reputable studies and water quality testing have identified the following brands as PFAS-free:
In the meantime, an article was recently published in ScienceNews entitled, "Gut microbes may flush 'forever chemicals' from the body". Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that certain bacterial strains, including E. coli, soaked up between 20% and 75% of PFAS in laboratory dishes.
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While some parchment papers contain no added PFAS, others have tested positive for fluorine (a marker for PFAS). Because manufacturers are not required to disclose proprietary coatings, PFAS can still be found in some brands. Most standard parchment papers are coated with silicone to achieve their non-stick properties, not PFAS.
Chick-fil-A cannot legally call its frozen treat "ice cream" because it lacks the required 10% minimum milk fat to meet the FDA's strict definition. Instead, the chain classifies its signature dessert as a "frozen dairy dessert" and coined the trademarked name Icedream.
You can survive on a combination of potatoes and whole milk. Together, they contain almost every essential amino acid, vitamin, and mineral the human body needs to function.
There is no single, universally agreed-upon "#1 unhealthiest food" because nutritionists evaluate harm in different ways (e.g., heart disease risk, carcinogenicity, or metabolic damage). However, the top contenders consistently pointed to by health organizations include:
Cardiologists consistently advise patients to avoid or strictly limit processed meats, sugary drinks, and deep-fried foods. These items are heavily linked to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and increased risks of heart disease.
Drinking water. Drinking water has been identified as a substantial source of PFAS exposure for many populations, particularly those living near contaminated sites.
This new spin on a classic treat features our signature Icedream® dessert hand-spun with your choice of fountain beverage for a deliciously creamy texture and refreshing taste.