McDonald’s Removes Artificial Colors and Preservatives from Classic Burgers

McDonald’s announced yesterday that it has removed all artificial preservatives, artificial flavors and added colors from artificial sources from its line of “classic burgers,” which includes the hamburger, cheeseburger, double cheeseburger, McDouble, Quarter Pounder with Cheese, double Quarter Pounder with Cheese and Big Mac.

The announcement is careful to note that its pickles, which are included on most McDonald’s burgers, still contains an artificial preservatives, but customers can request to have them removed from any burger. 

The Takeout points out that McDonald’s beef patties were already preservative-free, and the change applies mostly to buns, sauces and cheeses, which are being rid of preservatives such as calcium propionate, sorbic acid, sodium benzoate and calcium disodium EDTA.

“We understand that now more than ever, people care about their food – where it comes from, what goes into it and how it is prepared – and we are committed to make changes to our menu our guests feel good about,” said Linda VanGosen, McDonald’s Vice President of Menu Innovation, in a statement.

The announcement also notes that the brand is working toward removing artificial preservatives in its Chicken Nuggets and using only cage-free eggs by 2025.