Paul Saladino, a doctor of medicine, has criticized Burger King's popular menu items, alleging that they contain "toxic" and "banned" ingredients, with some components reportedly also found in Silly Putty. Saladino, who is double-board certified, stated that the fast-food chain's offerings are "worse than expected" for health.

In a review shared with his over 3 million Instagram followers, Saladino focused on the Whopper and the Royal Spicy Chicken Sandwich. He claimed that the Whopper contains approximately 85 components, including multiple seed oils, processed sugars, and preservatives. According to Saladino, the bun alone contains potassium iodate, an ingredient he states is banned in Europe, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. He also identified mono- and diglycerides in the bun, describing them as a preservative and dough conditioner that can cause gut inflammation.

Saladino further alleged that the burger patty, despite claims of being 100% beef cooked without seed oils, is seasoned with a salt and pepper mix containing canola oil. "It’s not real food guys," he stated.

Regarding the Royal Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Saladino claimed it has around 120 ingredients. He cited dough conditioners, silicone dioxide—which he suggested may be inflammatory in the human gut due to nanoparticles—and multiple seed oils. The chicken patty itself was described as processed chicken coated in flour and food starches, battered and fried in oxidized seed oils. He also noted the presence of anti-foaming agents, such as dimethylpolysiloxane, which he linked to Silly Putty. The sauces were also scrutinized, with one reportedly containing over 25 ingredients.

Saladino based his findings on a 2022 report from Food Bae, which outlined the alleged ingredients of top Burger King items. He concluded that Burger King might be the "worst fast food restaurant" he has encountered in terms of health implications, linking the ingredients to chronic disease and obesity.

While Burger King was not named in a recent list of the 10 least healthy fast-food chains by World Atlas, Wendy's was ranked number one on that list in 2025. Burger King did not make the top 10 in that particular ranking.

Representatives for Burger King did not immediately respond to requests for comment.