This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive.
In its latest effort for transparency, McDonald’s turned to former “Mythbusters” host Grant Imahara to answer the question: What are the ingredients in its fries?
Turns out, it takes a total of 19 ingredients to transform a single potato into golden shoestring fries fit for its trademark red and yellow cardboard cup.
The ingredients are as follows:
PotatoesCanola oilSoybean oilHydrogenated soybean oilNatural beef flavourHydrolyzed wheatHydrolyzed milkCitric acidDimethylpolysiloxaneDextroseSodium acid pyrophosphateSaltCanola oilCorn oilSoybean oilHydrogenated soybean oilTBHQCitric acidDimethylpolysiloxane
Yes, canola and soybean oil are listed twice. So are hydrogenated soybean oil, citric acid and dimethylpolysiloxane.
It’s because they’re used at two different stages of production: first as part of an oil blend at the supplier level and again at its restaurants.
“So at the end of the day it’s not a Franken-fry composed of chemicals,” said Imahara in a video uploaded to YouTube on Tuesday.
The one ingredient that raises concern is dimethylpolysiloxane, what Imahara called an “antifoaming agent.” It’s a common ingredient in some fast foods, he explains, but fails to acknowledge its use in silicone caulks, hair conditioners, and Silly Putty.
McDonald’s says their use of dimethylpolysiloxane is “small” and it primarily helps ensure safety by preventing hot oil from boiling over.
It’s a compound that’s approved for food use by the FDA and Health Canada.
But despite the fast food giant’s latest ad blitz, leaning on the credibility of a former “Mythbuster” in its bid to clean up its greasy image, there’s one question that still lingers in the air.
According to an ingredients list comparing the company’s famous fries sold in U.S. and British franchises, only five are used in the U.K. production process of McDonald’s fries.
So for a company that touts consistency – what’s with the difference?
Watch Imahara’s visit to a McDonald’s fries factory below:
This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive.
If you have questions or concerns,
please check our FAQ or
contact support@huffpost.com.
