Common Safety Concerns From Employees
As reported by the DailyMeal, many ex employees have dished their bad experiences of the fast food giant online.
Source: Canva
They gripe about poor food safety practices, missed cleaning schedules, and overall improper handling of food as commonplace in the popular restaurant.
Avoid the Hot Beverages From the McCafé
In the past decade, McDonald’s has tried to create excitement around their extended line of hot beverages at the McCafé, offering more than just coffee at breakfast time.
Source: Canva
However, unlike a traditional café with espresso machines that have regular cleaning and servicing, the DailyMeal reports that the machines used to make the hot coffees and beverages are often neglected and cleaning comes as an afterthought. Built-up gunk, grime, and even old milk can be waiting for you at the McCafé.
Take a Pass on Menu Items With Sliced Tomatoes
Although many of McDonald’s burgers come without tomatoes, employees suggest staying far away from burgers that come with “fresh” tomatoes.
Source: Canva
Reports from former employees claim that the tomatoes are often used well past their best-by date, with some people even noting they were told to use produce with visible mold by simply slicing off the “bad parts.”
Catch Something Other Than the Filet-O-Fish
As the only seafood item on most of the North American menus, the Filet-O-Fish has been a favorite of pescatarians and anyone looking for a lighter option.
Source: Canva
However, since the item is probably one of the least popular on the menu, this means that the piece of fish itself can be sitting around for a very long time before being purchased.
Stay Away From the Popular Seasonal Menu Items Like the McRib
The popular BBQ sandwich smothered in sauce is said to be a food violation waiting to happen.
Source: Canva
When seasonal items come in for a few weeks, they generally have different food handling procedures. But the McRib is particularly worrying, as it is said to sit around in tepid sauce for hours at a time, causing concerns from employees.
Be Grateful if the IceCream Machine Is Out of Order
The milkshake and ice cream machine is another item inside of McDonald’s locations that lacks regular and proper cleaning.
Source: Canva
Since many McDonald’s locations are open 24/7, this can cause a backlog in regular cleaning duties. Chief among them is the dreaded ice cream machine, reported as often not being cleaned for weeks at a time. Employees complain about dirty conditions, compacted dairy debris, and potential bacteria on the tools.
The McNuggets Are Not What They Seem
Although rumors have swirled for years with viral videos showing pink sludge going into machines, allegedly creating the famous boot-shaped nugget, the safety concerns are actually something else.
Source: Canva
While McDonald’s has tried to dispel the pink sludge rumor, a much more real issue with chicken sitting around at room temperature has been raised by employees. Unless you know the nuggets are fresh from the fryer, chicken should not be eaten after sitting around for long periods of time.
More Issues With Contaminated Beverages
Another common complaint from fast food workers, especially those at 24-hour locations, is that the ice machine fails regular safety checks and cleaning procedures.
Source: Canva
Staying away from the ice seems like a smart move, as the contaminated ice has been sourced to issues with hepatitis, E. coli, and other nasty illnesses.
Small Burger Patties Are a Big "No" From Employees
The small burger patties are anything that goes on the regular menu items, such as the famous Big Mac or the classic cheese burger.
Source: Canva
But employees warn that the smaller patties are made in bulk batches, placed in warming trays, and then served throughout the day, which creates a serious food safety issue.
Anything But Eggs at Breakfast Time
The classic Egg McMuffin is another menu item that many former McDonald’s employees warn others’ to stay away from.
Source: Canva
Food safety dictates that cooked eggs should not be eaten two hours after being warmed initially, but perfectly round eggs at McDonalds can be sitting around for extended periods before they reach your brown paper bag.
Don’t Use the Ketchup Dispensers
While the small packets of ketchup can often be annoying and tedious to open, they are much safer than the dispensed ketchup.
Source: Canva
The ketchup dispenser is another hot zone for most fast food restaurants. Often failing to be cleaned, it’s impossible to know what’s hiding inside of the long nozzle.