McDonald’s, with its familiar golden arches and iconic menu items, is a go-to spot for many looking for a quick and tasty meal. However, former employees have shared some insider knowledge about certain menu items that might make you reconsider your choices—and we’re not just talking about the toll they can take on your waistline. Whether it’s the freshness of the Filet-O-Fish or the cleanliness of ketchup dispensers, these insights from former employees may make you reconsider your next order.
1. Ice cream
Ever been told the ice cream machine is out of service? It might not always be due to maintenance issues. According to a McDonald's employee on TikTok, the ice cream machine might be functioning fine, but employees may avoid using it for other reasons.
"I work at McDonald’s and the ice cream machines are most probably not broken, we just don’t wanna add the mix if it’s busy. Either the person who knows how to assemble it and disassemble it is not there, [or it’s peak time.] The cleaning cycle takes quite a while," he said.
This could mean that the machine isn't cleaned as often as it should be, raising concerns about cleanliness and hygiene.
A former employee echoed this sentiment on Reddit, warning about potential mold growth in the machine: "Sometimes [the ice cream machine is down] for legit maintenance, other times, though, it's to clean the mold that likes to grow in the liquid mix." We'll pass on that.
2. Big Mac
It isn't just the nutritional information of Big Macs that pose a risk to your health. While the Big Mac is a beloved menu item, former employees warn about the patties used in the burger. These patties are sometimes removed from the grill while still red with blood and left to sit in trays for hours.
“The small patties. The ones that come on your double cheeseburgers and Big Macs. Those things come off the grill still red with blood and then we would shove them in the trays where they would stay for hours," one former employee says.
Despite being intended for further cooking in holding trays, rush hours may lead to shortcuts, increasing the risk of undercooked meat. Asking for a fresh patty might not always be the safest option either, as it could still be undercooked. However, some employees say there's nothing to worry about.
3. Filet-O-Fish
This infrequently ordered item might also come with its own set of risks. Former employees reveal that the Filet-O-Fish sandwiches are often made in advance and left in trays for hours before being served.
"I’m a former McDonald’s worker, and all I have to say is, do NOT, under any circumstances, order the [Filet-O-Fish]," one Reddit user insisted. "We had to make them at 11 when lunch started and had the same ones in the tray until the elderly people came to get their supper at 3 PM." Yikes!
With a lower demand for this menu item, there's a higher chance of receiving a sandwich that isn't fresh, potentially compromising its quality and taste.
4. Ketchup from dispensers
Ketchup dispensers may seem convenient, but they also pose hygiene concerns. Despite being supposed to clean them every night, former employees admit that it's not always done properly. Some have even shared alarming photos of dirty ketchup dispensers, raising questions about the cleanliness of condiments at McDonald's.
"This is why I stick to packets and never use dispensers at places because they are often not cleaned properly," one commenter wrote on Reddit. Noted!
5. Smoothies & Frappes
If you're a fan of McDonald's smoothies, you might want to reconsider, and not just because of the sugar content. Despite that they're delicious, former employees have reported issues with cleanliness and maintenance of the machines used to make these beverages. Some claim to have seen roaches in the cold drink machines, raising serious concerns about sanitation practices at certain locations.
Under a Reddit post asking, "what is one item you will never eat at McDonald’s?" one user said "Anything from the frappe/smoothie machines. Having worked at McDonald’s, I know a few of them have roaches in the cold drink machines. We were never taught how to clean them out even though I asked a couple of times." Yikes! We'll stick to water.
