Dairy Derivatives in McDonald's Fries

McDonald's has always claimed that it had no dairy in its fries. Good.

McDonald's has decided to disclose the presence of common allergens in its foods in response to the new labeling laws even though it doesn't legally have to. Good.

Oops. It turns out that they've slapped a milk label on those dairy-free fries. Bad.

Here's the story as it is being reported by the Associated Press.

McDonald’s director of global nutrition, Cathy Kapica, said its potato suppliers remove all wheat and dairy proteins, such as gluten, which can cause allergic reactions. But the flavoring agent in the cooking oil is a derivative of wheat and dairy ingredients, and the company decided to note their presence because of the FDA’s stipulation that potential allergens be disclosed.

“We knew there were always wheat and dairy derivatives in there, but they were not the protein component,” she said. “Technically there are no allergens in there. What this is an example of is science evolving” and McDonald’s responding as more is learned, she said.

I can't find any mention of what exact derivative of milk is used in the fries, although I'll update this report as soon as it's revealed – if ever. However, even if the flavoring agent is lactose, the amount that enters a particular batch of fries is probably way too small to create symptoms in any but the most extremely susceptible lactose intolerant individual.

For those with milk allergies, the situation is a bit more complicated. No protein component should mean that they are safe for most people with a mild allergy. Those with serious anaphylactic-potential allergies know that even a few molecules of remaining protein can trigger an attack, so they should now avoid these fries entirely.

The same holds true for those with celiac disease and other gluten intolerances.

Three cheers for the new Food Labeling Law for forcing these disclosures. More information on the law, along with a link to the bill on the FDA site, can be found at Major Change In Labeling Law Scheduled for January 1.