Multinational burger behemoth McDonald’s has admitted it failed to fully inform consumers that its fries are produced using some beef products. While countless US consumers are set to argue in court that they were led to assume the fries were vegetarian, McDonald’s has expressed regret that it did not provide “complete” information on how the product is cooked.


Some McDonald’s advocates argue that the American vegetarians and Hindus currently involved in the multi-million-dollar case should never have expected to eat vegetarian products at a place so synonymous with beef. In 1990 however, the company announced its intention to use vegetable oil rather than beef fat in the manufacture of its fries, leaving many upset when they heard that this was not entirely true.


It recently came to light that the cooking process for the fries means that they are first cooked in beef fat, and then frozen before being transported to restaurants for frying.


The company has maintained that the process is different in predominantly Hindu countries, where eating beef products is strictly forbidden according to religious law.


A spokesman commented however: “We’re not too big to apologise.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Do you have an opinion on this issue? Then cast your vote in the just-food.com mini-survey on our home page.