A NYC photog conducted an experiment recently with a McDonalds Happy Meal burger and fries that tested the durability of the meal. Sally Davies took pictures of the McD’s items every few days for more than six months and was surprised to notice that not any point did mold appear, nor did the appearance of the meal seem to change in the slightest bit.
This experiment begged the question – is McDonalds newly-branded fresh food actually riddled with extreme levels of preservatives? Some chemicals, potassium sorbate, et al, can stop the growth of mold, but if McDonald’s Happy Meals contain such chemicals, it would be in direct contrast to the statement of Todd Bacon, Senior Director of Quality Systems at McDonalds, whom states that, “McDonald’s menu items are freshly prepared in our restaurants.”
Mr. Bacon goes on to assure that his employer does not add in preservatives specifically to any of its burger meat, but curiously does not address the topic when it comes to any of the buns associated with the burger or the fries that accompany it. Alternatively, he focuses on saying, “Our hamburger buns are made from North American-grown wheat flour. Our world-famous French fries are made from potatoes and cooked in a canola-oil blend. These are the same foods that consumers buy every day in their local grocery stores — bread, meat and potatoes.”
Ironically enough, preservatives are often found in grocery store baked products like hamburger buns, to inhibit mold growth and prolong freshness.
