Fwd: TGI Friday serves Hormone-free beef-McDonalds settles lawsuit

[Guest guest]

CancerAnswer, " mrsjoguest " <joguest@m...> wrote:

McDonalds: vegging out

 

 

11 Mar 2002

McDonald's is nearing a settlement on its beef extract/French fries

lawsuit

 

McDonald's should look to better beef alternatives.

Popular fast casual chain TGI Friday's began serving antibiotic and

hormone-free burgers

last summer at the urging of its customers.

 

Although McDonald's rose to international prominence peddling

burgers and Big Macs, this does not mean that the chain must forever

ask " where's the beef? "

 

..Like top competitors Burger King and Wendy's, McDonald's is feeling

the impact of consumer concern over obesity, livestock scares in

Europe and the slowing economy.

The French fry scandal did little to win back consumers who have fled

to 'fast casual' outlets, which serve better quality food at

comparably affordable prices.

 

 

The draft offer calls for McDonald's to pay $10 million to charities

that support vegetarianism, issue a public apology and form an

advisory board on vegetarian issues.

A further $2.4 million will go to plaintiffs' lawyers.

 

Problems began in 1990, when the company began saying its fries were

cooked in " 100% vegetable oil " instead of beef tallow and vegetable

shortening, to appease cholesterol-conscious fast-food diners.

 

While McDonald's never made any claims about the vegetarianism of

its fries,

it also did not fully disclose the use of the beef extract. In its

nutrition brochures, the company described the ingredient as " natural

flavor. "

 

McDonald's says it did not intentionally deceive customers. In a

prepared statement, spokesman Walt Riker said while the company is

working to " resolve this matter " , he would not comment further. " It

is premature to discuss details before any settlement is official, "

Mr Riker said.

 

 

 

Redeeming itself in the eyes of its customers (especially health

conscious vegetarians) will require more than a monetary settlement

from McDonald's. New menu items that reflect the trend towards less

red meat will be key to maintaining relevance in the rapidly changing

fast food landscape.

--- End forwarded message ---