McDonald's UK settles debate after Peta claims fries aren't vegetarian

25 April 2023 , 16:51

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Peta has sparked a debate after claiming McDonald's fries aren't vegetarian (stock image) (Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)

McDonald's fans were shocked after animal rights organisation Peta (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) claimed the fast food giant's fries weren't suitable for vegetarians.

Peta shared a post on Facebook reading: "Even McDonald's FRIES aren't suitable for vegetarians," followed by an angry emoji.

UK customers were suitably panicked after reading the news that in some countries the iconic fries are cooked with beef flavouring, which means they aren't suitable for vegans or vegetarians.

At the same time, a TikToker called Jordan the Stallion went viral after claiming it's "bad news for vegetarian" because "McDonald's cooks [its] fries with beef flavouring mixed within their vegetable oil".

The Facebook post has sparked a massive debate

One person commented: "Wait.. whaaaat!? I'm vegan and all I can eat from McDonald's are fries."

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Another simply said: "WTF. Never again."

A third added: "So [they] mix beef fat in the oil at McDonald's to fry the fries, so I'm not a vegetarian," followed by a crying emoji.

Some people suggested that you should make your own fries to be "in control" of what you're eating. One person said: "Make your own fries and you are in control of what you put in your body! Simple."

Despite the widespread panic caused by the claims, it turns out UK McDonald's fans can take it easy.

In the UK, the McDonald's French Fries are "not coated in any fats or substances from an animal" and are "simply cooked in dedicated frying vats in a non-hydrogenated blend of sunflower and rapeseed oil".

McDonald's also said: "McDonald's French Fries are officially accredited by the Vegetarian Society."

They are made with McCain's from Russet Burbank, Pentland Dell and Shepody potatoes, which are "chosen for their quality, taste and long shape when cut".

Because of this, they are "100% suitable for vegans".

McDonald's has been contacted for additional comment.

Ariane Sohrabi-Shiraz