In this episode of The Cost of Everything, host Christy Ai teams up with author Marion Nestle to uncover the hidden costs lurking on our plates, particularly in the realm of fast food – an area often overlooked in terms of its health ramifications. Together, they delve into how what may seem like a convenient and satisfying meal option can actually harbor a multitude of hidden costs for our wellbeing. By unraveling the complexities of fast-food ingredients – from preservatives and additives designed to enhance flavor and prolong shelf life to chemicals that may pose risks to human health – Christy and Marion shed light on the true impact of fast-food consumption. They also examine the stark differences in food regulations between the US and Europe, highlighting banned substances in other countries that continue to find their way into American fast-food products.