McDonald’s Isn’t Being Honest About Its French Fries: They Contain Much More Than Just Salt
Just yesterday, we wrote about the failed AI adventures at McDonald’s drive-thru locations, and now McDonald’s is once again in a negative light. The Advertising Code Committee has reprimanded the fast-food chain; McDonald’s is no longer allowed to promote its French Fries by claiming that they contain nothing other than potatoes and a pinch of salt. This is misleading and untrue.
They are hugely popular: Maccie’s French Fries. They were already on the menu at the very first McDonald’s in San Bernardino, California, and they are still the most popular item on the menu. But they contain more than just salt and potatoes. And that is what the fast-food chain claims. Oops!
Misleading advertising
A full-page advertisement in de Volkskrant on March 12, 2024, states: “McDonald’s French Fries are made from the very best potatoes, mainly from the Netherlands. And absolutely nothing else is added to those potatoes… except a pinch of salt. And by you, a burger, Milk Shake and McDonald’s Fritessaus.”
McDonald’s French Fries: more than salt
But that is misleading, because McDonald’s French Fries contain much more than just potatoes and a pinch of salt. Is that why McDonald’s fries are so addictive? Apart from salt, there is indeed more in these fries. According to the ingredients list on McDonald’s website, they also contain various vegetable oils, disodium diphosphate (a stabilizer), dextrose, iodine and anti-caking agents (E504, E535).
In its advertising, McDonald’s deliberately denies the presence of various other ingredients. That prompted food watchdog Foodwatch to bring a case before the Advertising Code Committee—and they won. “There is nothing wrong with having fries every now and then, but consumers are being misled because the fries are presented as much more natural than they really are,” says Frank Lindner, campaign manager at Foodwatch. This independent consumer rights organization has been committed to fair, safe and healthy food for years.
McDonald’s reprimanded again
Incidentally, this is not the first time the fast-food company has spread misleading messages. In recent years, McDonald’s has been reprimanded by the Advertising Code Committee nine times before.
And are you still going to McDonald’s for some fries? Then read here why you should never order large fries at McDonald’s…
Also read:
- 7 amazing facts about the Big Mac
- Wow, this hack makes your Big Mac even tastier
- How to make a Big Mac wrap
