McDonald’s is one of the leading American multinational fast food chain companies founded in 1940. This fast food company rechristened their company as a hamburger stand, and it eventually turned the company into a license with the “Golden Arches” logo that was introduced in 1953 at the location in Phoenix, Arizona. However, McDonald’s has encountered several controversies that tarnished its brand reputation and image in different marketplaces around the globe. In this article, the five biggest scandals of this fast food company will be evaluated.
Scalding Hot Coffee
Liebeck v McDonald’s Restaurants, also called the McDonald’s coffee case along with the hot coffee lawsuit, was a highly broadcast 1994 product accountability lawsuit in the ‘United States” US against McDonald’s resurgent chain. A 79-year-old woman who was buying hot coffee from a McDonald’s restaurant unintentionally fell in her lap and hence suffered third-degree burns in her pelvic region. After this incident, she was hospitalized for around eight days, and this incident forced her to undergo skin grafting. She followed around two years of medical treatment. Due to this scandal, Liebeck wanted her to settle with McDonald for around 20,000 dollars to cover her medical expenses.
This incident turned to a new route when “MacDonald’s refused to provide her medical expenses, and after that, Liebeck‘s attorney filed suit in the US District Court for the District of New Mexico condemning McDonald’s of gross negligence. The victim of this incident, Stella Liebeck, won the case, and the jury acknowledged that McDonald’s should have maintained the temperature of the coffee, which may reduce the likelihood of the severity of this sort of incident.
Pink Slime Controversy of McDonald’s
McDonald’s not only encountered the Liebeck scandal, but this fast food company has also gone through the Pink Slime controversy. This controversial situation has forced this fast food chain to face a backlash against the use of meat products widely recognized as “lean finely textured beef” (LFTB). The company claim that substances are used in processed meat and fast food. The LFTB is generally produced from beef trimmings, which are further treated with ammonia to kill any sort of bacteria in the meat that is being used for several foods.
The controversy began in 2012 when a viral video portraying the meat production process upsurged public outrage over the popular food menu of McDonald’s and hence after this incident occurred, many customers became concerned about the food safety and transparency of this fast food chain.
Challenges associated with labor law McDonald’s
Nearly all fast food enthusiasts love delicious hamburgers, sandwiches and French Fries, and McDonald’s has met the ever-increasing need for Quarter Pounder, Big Mac and Egg McMuffin with ease. However, what about employee well-being? That seems like a missing that often highlights unfair treatment among staff in various nations. McDonalds have alleged poor wage structure and ill-treatment of pregnant staff.
This fast food company has also been accused of applying unfair labor practices which are not in accordance with respect to federal laws, including scheduling shifts up to 25 hours. This sort of circumstance propelled outrage in the UK as many employees of this company went on strike in an attempt to get adequate wages and a proper work schedule.
Health issues
With the increased popularity of fast food companies along with the increase its consumption, the issues related to diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular issues have become major health-related problems among a large number of people in different nations around the globe. As we know, fast food companies like McDonalds always bring some new menu items that influence the propensity of people to opt for their offered food and beverages have also been intensified over the years.
In addition to that, this food chain generally offers French fries, burgers and beverages that come with extreme levels of carbohydrates. Therefore, regular consumption of such food has increased blood sugar levels. This has had a devastating impact on the health and well-being of individuals and is one of the leading causes of obesity as well.
The McLibel case
The McLibel case was a legal battle between two environmental activists, David Morris and Helen Steel and McDonald’s. In the year 1997, these two environmental activists distributed leaflets in London criticizing the business practices of this fast food chain including its influence on animal welfare and environmental issues. After this incident, McDonald’s litigated the activities for libel, claiming that the leaflets proliferated false statements.
FAQ
1. What is the McLibel case?
A landmark legal battle between McDonald’s and two environmental activists who criticized the company’s business practices.
2. What was the Pink Slime controversy?
A controversy surrounding the use of “pink slime,” a processed meat product, in McDonald’s beef patties.
3. What are some other notable scandals involving McDonald’s?
Labor practices, health concerns, and environmental issues have also been subjects of controversy for the company.
4. What happened in the Liebeck v. McDonald’s case?
A woman sued McDonald’s after being severely burned by hot coffee, leading to a high-profile legal battle.
5. What were the key issues raised in the McLibel case?
Freedom of speech, corporate accountability, and the right to criticize corporations were central themes of the case.
6. What was the public reaction to the Pink Slime controversy?
The controversy sparked public outrage and concerns about food safety.
7. What are some of the labor law challenges faced by McDonald’s?
Varying labour standards across countries, unionization, and wage theft are among the key challenges.
8. How has McDonald’s addressed labour law concerns?
The company has implemented various measures to improve labour practices, but challenges persist.
9. What are the main health concerns associated with consuming McDonald’s food?
High levels of fat, sugar, and sodium contribute to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
10. How has McDonald’s responded to health concerns?
The company has introduced healthier menu options and nutritional information, but concerns remain about the overall healthfulness of its food.
