Social media users are often eager to discuss various foods, including their origins, nutritional benefits, and processing methods. However, while these posts can be informative, some are misleading or inaccurate, spreading myths and misconceptions about food and nutrition. These inaccuracies can create confusion about which foods are healthy, the safety of different processing techniques, and even what constitutes a balanced diet. As a result, it’s essential for users to critically evaluate the information shared and rely on trusted sources to avoid being misled.
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In recent days, a video circulating on social media claims that McDonald’s French fries are prepared in unhygienic conditions, sparking concerns about food safety. It says fried potatoes can contain the chemical acrylamide, which has been linked to cancer. Acrylamide arises in certain foods because of a chemical reaction when they are cooked at high temperatures. Acrylamide forms when foods like potatoes and cereals become crispy and brown. The best way to detox from acrylamide is to stop eating French fries at fast food restaurants. The video has quickly gone viral, amassing significant attention and raising questions about the brand’s hygiene practices. But how much truth is behind these sensational claims?
We decided to do a fact-check on this.
Fact Check
First, we tried to find this rumour’s original video/beginning. Although this has been prevailing on social media platforms for some time, no clue has been found about the origin of the footage when searching internet search engines like Google, etc.
After a search on the Internet, we noticed that this and similar videos have sparked interest on Quora as well, with many users discussing and debating oil quality.
Claim 1: What Is Acrylamide, and Should You Be Concerned?
Acrylamide is a naturally occurring chemical that forms in starchy foods, such as potatoes, when they are cooked at high temperatures, including frying, roasting, and baking. This compound forms due to a reaction between sugars and an amino acid called asparagine, which causes the browning and crisping we often see in cooked potatoes, bread, and cereals.
Research by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and other agencies suggests that high levels of acrylamide pose a cancer risk in animals, but studies in humans remain inconclusive. Read here. While animal studies have shown a link between acrylamide exposure and cancer, this connection has not been definitively established in humans, according to the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN)and the World Health Organization (WHO). Both organizations continue to monitor acrylamide levels and recommend moderating the consumption of fried and baked starchy foods as a precaution.
Importantly, acrylamide is not unique to McDonald’s fries; it can be found in a wide range of everyday foods. Health experts emphasize that consuming these foods in moderation within a balanced diet likely poses minimal health risks. Read here and here.
For more details on acrylamide safety
Claim 2: Are McDonald’s French Fries Prepared in Unhygienic Conditions?
The viral video also raises hygiene concerns, claiming that McDonald’s French fries are made in unsanitary conditions. McDonald’s has a well-established protocol for food safety, including stringent hygiene standards in their kitchens and preparation areas. From ingredient sourcing to cooking and serving, McDonald’s food preparation processes are regularly monitored and inspected to ensure consumer safety.
Read here for McDonald’s official stance on food safety.
McDonald’s fryers for French fries are dedicated exclusively to potatoes, avoiding contamination from other foods. This ensures both oil quality and consistency in flavor. Greg Butler, a McDonald’s Department Manager, has also explained that oil quality is maintained through regular filtering, which prevents off-flavors and extends the oil’s usable life. This practice aligns with industry standards and helps reduce waste, supporting environmental and economic goals.
Without credible evidence to support the claim of unhygienic conditions, this aspect of the video’s allegation remains unsubstantiated.
Claim 3: Does McDonald’s fry their French fries in oil that has been used before?
Another part of the video claims that McDonald’s uses oil that has been previously used, suggesting this might affect taste or safety. McDonald’s, like most restaurants, reuses oil for frying, but they follow a rigorous filtering process. Fryers alert staff to skim and filter the oil after every sixth fry cycle, which helps maintain oil quality and prevent contamination.
The specific oil blend McDonald’s uses — often canola and soybean oil, sometimes with beef tallow for flavor (regionally dependent) — is designed for high-performance frying. This blend contributes to the taste of their fries, and the filtering process keeps it fresh, helping to control any potential aftertaste.
See the ingredient list of McDonald’s fries here
Claim 4: Detoxing from Acrylamide — Is It Necessary?
The video suggests that a “detox” from acrylamide is necessary for health, especially by avoiding fast-food fries. However, the concept of “detoxing” from specific foods or chemicals lacks scientific support. Acrylamide exposure, while it’s something to be aware of, is manageable with a balanced diet.
The FDA and WHO note that minimizing consumption of foods high in acrylamide, such as fried and baked goods, is a good practice, but there’s no need for a formal “detox.” Health experts encourage a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which helps balance any potential risk from acrylamide in cooked foods.
Read here for five easy ways to Protect Yourself from Acrylamide
The research found that several nutrients guard against the damaging effects of acrylamide– including those in tea (polyphenols), red wine (resveratrol) and garlic (diallyl trisulfide). Read here
To get their official clarification/feedback on this, we contacted McDonald’s via email, and we will update this article with their response.
Conclusion: While there’s a basis to the acrylamide concern, it’s not unique to McDonald’s fries, nor is it an issue exclusive to fast food. Acrylamide forms in many commonly consumed foods, and health authorities emphasize moderation over alarm. McDonald’s also follows strict hygiene and oil maintenance practices, so the claims of unhygienic preparation appear unsupported.
In summary, enjoying McDonald’s fries — or other similar foods — in moderation aligns with current health guidance. For those concerned about acrylamide, a well-rounded diet rich in whole foods is an effective, science-backed approach.
Title: “Unhygienic McDonald’s French Fries” Video
Fact Check By: Fact Crescendo TeamResult: Missing Context
