Struggling fast-food chain makes controversial food change
The fast-food chain has reverted to doing something McDonald's dropped years ago.
French fries have been a surprising point of contention in the fast-food world.
In theory, the popular side dish could be an ideal option for vegan customers. Potatoes are, of course, vegan, but how french fries are cooked can make them not just vegan-unfriendly but not cleared for vegetarians either.
Related: Struggling restaurant chain makes major menu, operational changes
That's been an issue for McDonald's over the years. The chain used to cook its French fries in beef fat — which makes them neither vegan nor vegetarian. McDonald's no longer uses that recipe.
In some markets McDonald's uses various types of vegetable oil to cook its fries. In the UK, for example, the chain's chips, to use the local parlance, are cooked in a nonhydrogenated blend of rapeseed and sunflower oil.
This makes them safe for vegan and vegetarian customers, although McDonald's' kitchens don't fully protect customers from cross-contamination.
