Fastfood company McDonald’s is testing a healthier blend of oil for cooking its fries in a small number of restaurants, according to an Associated Press story published by the Chicago Tribune.


The would not disclose the location or number of restaurants at which it is testing the cooking oil. A company spokesman said it is gauging customer feedback but wouldn’t say what the response has been.


“We’re continuing to test in a small number of restaurants,” said McDonald’s spokesman Walt Riker. “It’s important for our customers, and we’ll continue to test to get it right.”


In September 2002, McDonald’s said it would switch to a new oil that would halve the level of harmful trans fatty acid in its fries. But it delayed those plans in February 2003, citing product quality and customer satisfaction as priorities. Riker said the company has been testing a new frying process in a small number of stores since then.


Rolling out a new cooking oil for its fries could pose a risk to sales of one of McDonald’s most popular menu items, said Janna Sampson of Oakbrook Investments. “It’s hard to imagine they can do that without some effect on the taste or texture of the fries,” she said. “I just don’t think the people buying fries care that much” about trans fat.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.