Fast food companies use chemicals in the products they sell so the food lasts longer. The food impacts our mind by making us want more. The chemicals are mainly found on the packaging but leaks into the food, and with us not relizing this, we consume the food and put our body and mental health at risk.

We did research on chemicals in fast food, short & long term health risks, World Health Organization (WHO), digestive system, fast food company ethics, fast food menues of Mcdonald and Wendys, calories intake by different age groups, and nutrition facts. We also did a survey about how often people in grade 8 eat fast food.

Fast food accommodates different chemicals for the food to last long and makes us want to eat more. Chemicals contained in fast food are phthalates, bisphenols, Perfluoroalkyl substances, and artificial food colours. 

Phthalates are chemicals which can be found in plastic and plastic can be the packaging of the food, which can raise the chance of obesity and cardiovascular disease.

Bisphenols are used in food cans or soda cans and can cause issues with the immune system or the nervous system. 

Perfluoroalkyl substances can be found in paper that is grease-proof, the chemical causes problems with the immune system. 

Artificial food colours are chemicals that make the food different colour than its original colour, it is the reason for symptoms like ADHD and attention deficit hyperactivity to increase.

Fast food has very low fiber and nutrition value, this can impact the steadiness of the helpful bacteria in the gut. Lower fiber diets/meals can also lead to harmful digestive conditions. When food like this is broken down, there is a spike in your blood sugar because of the insulin being released. This could cause issues like type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance in the coming future.

In this project we have talked about fast food. We have covered what junk food is, the health risks, our daily food intake, Canada’s food guide and even the effects of the chemicals in fast food. We have also proven that our hypothesis was correct and that unhealthy food is not nutritious because of the research listed in this presentation. We hope that you have learnt a lot about fast food and what you are consuming.

Claire McCarthy, 26/7/2021, Common food additives and chemicals harmful to children, Harvard Health publishing, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/common-food-additives-and-chemicals-harmful-to-children-2018072414326 

We would like to acknowledge Mrs. Salih and Mrs. Fauzia for giving us feedback to enhance our project and giving us time in class to work. Thank you Gobind Sarvar students for completing the survey. We would also like to thank our parents, acknowledge each other for doing our work on time and thank Prabhpreet for being our mentor.