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"This global fast-food chain lists an additive called polydimethylsiloxane (dimethylpolysiloxane) as a processing aid in its frying oil—used to reduce oil splatter and noted only in small print on the fries' ingredient page. The compound is FDA-authorized and commonly appears in nonfood products such as adhesives, caulks, cosmetics, gas-relief medicines, and novelty items like Silly Putty. Recent sensational media coverage tied that ingredient to a laboratory study on hair growth in mice, prompting public curiosity and concern about possible health effects despite the chemical's routine industrial uses." - Clint Rainey