We are drawn to telling falsehoods about the evils happening at the counters of fast food establishments. Don't be fooled by these myths.
- Don't trust everything you hear.
Fast food has an unpopular reputation which is understandable in many instances. However, the stories about dog food-based tacos made of chicken and meats are overstated. Why do such crazy stories persist? These urban legends highlight our disconnect with our food choices, says Angel Planells, RD, an official Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics spokesperson. "Most people haven't been to the farm to see how animals are kept," he says. Surveys in the past have revealed that the respondents aren't unaware of the origins of hamburgers for animals or believe that chocolate milk comes from cows with brown skins. It could be equally simple to believe the fast food myths listed below. However, you'll now know the truth.
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- Myth McDonald's shakes aren't made with milk.
Before, dairy alternatives were as widespread as they are today. Ronald McDonald and company's insistence that their drinks be referred to as "shakes" instead of "milkshakes" was looked at with suspicion as to what they were using (styrofoam, as well as cow's eyeballs, were some of the more speculative theories). The fast food company has decided to address this issue in the FAQ section on its website.
The dairy regulations are particular about what is described as a milkshake, and the rules differ between states. To simplify things, the company opted to use the term "shake,"--but the drinks they offer contain dairy, which includes soft-serve Ice cream (in which the primary component is dairy) and whip cream. Find out more about the facts that most people need to be made aware of about dairy but ought to.
- Myth: Starbucks frappucinos contain insect parts
This was true, but only to the extent that many of your food products contain identical ones. Following a backlash from consumers at the beginning of the year, this company ceased using natural food coloring known as cochineal or carmine derived from crushed bugs. The color is safe for consumption and continues to be used in cosmetics and food items; however, it may trigger an allergic reaction in some people. It isn't considered vegan or vegetarian. It's also not Kosher.
"On the whole, companies have gotten more transparent about the ingredients in their food," says Bonnie Taub-Dix, RDN, creator of BetterThanDieting.com, and author of Read It Before You Eat It: Taking You from Label to Table. However, some companies alter their formulas; she says that's why reviewing the labels and verifying the nutrition information is an excellent idea. Find out more about the ingredients that are hidden beneath the labels.
- Myth: Taco Bell uses dogfood-grade meat
Taco Bell stands out compared to fast food chains because of its ridiculously cheap food. This has led people to ask what kinds of cuts were made to achieve prices this low. Some reports suggested that the company was using meat unsuitable for human consumption, referred to as "Grade D,"--ev
en though it isn't the case. The year 2014 saw Taco Bell address these questions by revealing the meat they serve is made from beef and the addition of spices and thickeners.
"Taco Bell is likely to be one of the most healthy chains to eat in," says Planells. They were among the first chains to employ an employee nutritionist. This resulted in the creation of the light Fresco menu. Everything there contain at least 350 calories and contains the equivalent of 10g of fat. They've also pledged to lower sodium content and also make healthful modifications. There are only some of these European chain restaurants in America.
- Myth: McDonald's burgers won't decay
Several viral photos of burger and fry combinations that don't let the food decay have been circulating, and the idea is that food items are with preservatives to the point that they will not decompose naturally. However, Food Lab's Kenji Lopez-Alt tested these assertions in his research. He discovered that the hamburgers were drying out, just like the process used to make beef jerky. He also found that homemade burgers with similar dimensions and shapes performed similarly. Find out fascinating information regarding The Big Mac.
- The Myth KFC can get its chicken meat through mutants.
Concerns over the factory-farming process and genetically modified meat are valid concerns. However, the notion that a corporation as big as KFC breeds chickens with legs that are larger and have huge breasts is not valid. Some people have even taken KFC's name change as an indication that they would not continue to call their food "chicken." However, it was a decision made for marketing purposes, which Colonel KFC himself made clear in 2016.
- Myth, The McNuggets, made of chicken, are made from pink slime.
A few years ago, images of raw chicken nuggets dubbed pink slime were all over the internet. It was the first time Americans reacted mechanically to the realities of processed poultry. It's not the same stuff in McDonald's Chicken McNuggets, as it is revealed: They've been made using every white piece of beef since 2003. While pink slime might appear wrong, it is, but the industry prefers the more enticing name "lean finely smooth beef"--it's simply ground meat. The news channel that first broadcast the pink slime report settled a defamation case brought by a processor whose business had been negatively affected by the media attention.
- Myth: McDonald's Supersize your food
After the 2004 film Super Size Me! Fast-food chains have eliminated items from their menus due to health risks. This was an intelligent choice; nobody wants a 42-ounce soda or the 610 calories in a carton of fries. It's nonetheless wise to monitor your portions. A significant portion of McDonald's fries is only 100 calories less than the reduced-calorie Super Size version. Follow Planell's advice when you're planning to order food; choose from the menu for children.
- The Myth French fries contain no animal ingredients.
They're indeed made of potatoes but wait. "If you're vegan, it's a must to know the ingredients list at every fast food establishment," says Karen Ansel, MS, RDN, the author of Healing Superfoods for Anti-Aging: Get Younger, live longer. "Things like French fries could be contaminated with animal products, such as hydrolyzed milk."
Also Read How can junk food harm your body?
- Myth Wendy's Chili contains human hands in it.
Okay, This is a bizarre one. A woman was able to find finger bones inside the bowl of Wendy's Chili in the year 2006. She had placed the finger there, hoping to receive a massive settlement from an action.
There's more to the story concerning the chili served by the chain. Some have claimed that it's made using grill scrapings. However, the truth is less nebulous: The company creates its burgers on demand and uses leftover beef for chili. It's a smart move and helps reduce food waste. Bravo, Wendy's. Remember these 10 (actual) fast-food scandals that shocked the industry.