In our fast-paced lives, the convenience of takeout is undeniable. But as you unwrap that burger or open that styrofoam container of noodles, have you ever considered if your favorite meal could be a hidden source of health risks, including cancer? While a single meal is not a direct cause, the cumulative effect of certain chemicals found in some takeout foods and their packaging has raised concerns among researchers and health advocates alike.
The Chemicals in Your Meal
Takeout food, especially fried, grilled, or highly processed items, can contain specific chemical compounds that have been linked to health concerns. One such compound is acrylamide, a chemical that forms naturally in starchy foods like potatoes and bread when cooked at high temperatures. The U.S. National Toxicology Program has classified acrylamide as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” based on studies in laboratory animals, where exposure increased the risk for several types of cancer.
While human studies have not found consistent evidence of a direct link to cancer, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that acrylamide in food “potentially increases the risk of developing cancer for consumers in all age groups”.¹
Another group of chemicals to watch for are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These are formed from the incomplete combustion of organic matter, meaning they can develop when fat and juices from meat drip onto a heat source, like a grill, causing smoke and flames. PAHs then adhere to the surface of the meat. Studies on animal models have shown that PAHs can be genotoxic, causing DNA mutations and increasing the risk of tumors. The highest concentrations of these compounds are often found in grilled and smoked foods.²
For those who enjoy well-done or charred meat, heterocyclic amines (HCAs) are also a concern. These are formed when amino acids, sugars, and creatine in muscle meat react at high temperatures, such as during grilling or pan-frying.³ Both HCAs and PAHs have been found to be mutagenic in laboratory experiments, meaning they can cause changes to DNA that may increase the risk of cancer.³ The formation of HCAs is influenced by the cooking method, temperature, and duration, with well-done meats generally having higher concentrations.⁴
Packaging: The Invisible Threat
It’s not just the food itself that can be a concern; the packaging is a significant factor. Chemicals from plastic containers and linings can leach into your food, especially when exposed to heat, as is common with hot takeout orders. Phthalates, a class of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible, are widespread in food packaging. A Consumer Reports study from January 2024 found phthalates in almost all of the 85 brand-name food products it tested, from fast food to canned goods.⁵ Phthalates are known as endocrine disruptors and have been linked to reproductive issues, birth defects, and in some studies, breast cancer.⁶
Bisphenol A (BPA) is another well-known chemical found in the lining of some food cans and plastic containers. Studies have shown that BPA can mimic the hormone estrogen and may be linked to certain health problems, including an increased risk for hormone-sensitive cancers.⁷ The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found BPA in the urine of 93% of the more than 2,500 people tested in a health survey, with most exposure coming from food and drinks.⁷-⁸
Your Health, Your Community: Taking the Next Step
Understanding these risks is the first step toward making informed decisions about your health. The key is moderation and being mindful of your choices. Opting for homemade meals is a great way to reduce your exposure to these compounds. For a delicious and easy way to start your day, consider making a metabolic-boosting power scramble! This is a prime example of making a healthier choice that’s both flavorful and beneficial to your well-being.
This kind of information is what the NOWINCLUDED community is all about. Our platform is a safe space where you can ask questions, share insights, and learn from others who are on a similar health journey. The Health and Wellness Circle on the NOWINCLUDED app is the perfect place to start a conversation about topics like these. You can post a question, such as, “Does anyone have tips for healthier takeout alternatives”? or “How do you manage to eat out without worrying about these chemicals”?
By engaging with the community, you’re not just learning for yourself, you’re contributing to a collective knowledge base that empowers everyone to take control of their well-being. Join us on the NOWINCLUDED website or download the app today to become part of a community where your health story matters and your questions can lead to powerful, shared insights.
References
- National Cancer Institute. Acrylamide and Cancer Risk. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/acrylamide-fact-sheet. Accessed September 9, 2025.
- Duedahl-Olesen L, Ionas AC. Formation and mitigation of PAHs in barbecued meat – a review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2022;62(13):3553-3568. doi:10.1080/10408398.2020.1867056
- National Cancer Institute. Chemicals in Meat Cooked at High Temperatures and Cancer Risk. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/cooked-meats-fact-sheet. Accessed September 9, 2025.
- Zheng W, Lee SA. Well-done meat intake, heterocyclic amine exposure, and cancer risk. Nutr Cancer. 2009;61(4):437-446. doi:10.1080/01635580802710741
- Center for Science in the Public Interest. Most foods contain toxic phthalates. Now what? Center for Science in the Public Interest. https://www.cspi.org/cspi-news/most-foods-contain-toxic-phthalates-now-what. Published February 16, 2024. Accessed September 10, 2025.
- Environmental Defense Fund. Phthalates in food. Environmental Defense Fund. https://www.edf.org/health/phthalates-food. Published February 4, 2019. Accessed September 10, 2025.
- Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. Food Packaging Chemicals. Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. https://www.bcpp.org/resource/food-packaging-chemicals/. Accessed September 9, 2025.
- University of Rochester Medical Center. A Common Plastic Comes Under Scrutiny. University of Rochester Medical Center. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content?contenttypeid=1&contentid=4248. Accessed September 10, 2025.
