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# What's wrong with McDonald's happy meal burger?
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/mcdonald_s_happy_meal_burger_1610101125/
- Published: 2010-10-16T12:24:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T15:50:17.000Z
- Description: A New York City photographer shot a McDonald's Happy Meal burger and fries every few days for over six months and saw no mold, raising questions about preservatives. McDonald's says it uses none in its beef patties, but its statement does not address the buns or fries.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Chemical, Food Safety, Preservatives, Hamburger, #vivvo-import

A New York City photographer purchased a Happy Meal Burger and fries and photographed the meal every few days for more than six months and did not find any mold on the burger and fries.

A video published on CNN website drew a great deal of attention from both fast food lovers and haters. Many people wonder if the meal is treated with or contains preservatives. 

In the industry, some chemicals such as potassium sorbate can be used to prevent molds. BUt it is unknown whether McDonald's happy meal contains any.

Todd R. Bacon, Ph.D. senior director of Quality System at McDonald's USA posted a statement saying "McDonald's menu items are freshly prepared in our restaurants".

Bacon said his company does not use preservatives in beef patties used for McDonald's hamburgers. But He did not say the company does not use preservatives for fries and buns used for the hamburger.

Instead he said "Our hamburger buns are made from North American-grown wheat flour. Our world-famous French fries are made from potatoes and cooked in a canola-oil blend. These are the same foods that consumers buy every day in their local grocery stores --- bread, meat and potatoes."

Preservatives are often used in baked products like buns, which sit at room temperature and are sold in grocery stories to prevent growth of molds.

Jimmy Downs