Chicken McNuggets
According to CNN's report on July 4, "McNuggets", the chicken nuggets sold in U.S. branches of McDonalds contain a chemical, di-methyl-poly-siloxane, an anti-foaming agent used in children's play items such as 'Silly Putty'. They also have more calories and fat than those sold in the chain's British franchises.
CNN reports that U.S. McNuggets also contain a petrol-based chemical called tertiary butylhydroquinone. The consumption of just 1 gram of this chemical is likely to trigger nausea, tinnitus, vomiting and even breathlessness, while the di-methyl-poly-siloxane can be used in the treatment of abdominal distention. Lisa McComb, McDonald's global media relations manager, said di-methyl-poly-siloxane is used for safety reasons to prevent oil from foaming.
However, the McNuggets in the McDonalds in Dongguan's Central Square and around Hongfu crossing have not been removed from the shelves. The sellers said that they have not heard of the news and have not received the order to stop selling chicken McNuggets, Dongguan Times reported on Wednesday. A majority of customers knew little about the news, only a few have heard about it while some other people that were interviewed cared little about it.
A spokesman for McDonald's replied that the content of di-methyl-poly-siloxane and butylhydroquinone in McNuggets sold in China are completely in conformity with the national hygienic standard for uses of food additives. "They will not do harm to consumer's health," said the spokesman.
(By Tan Jing)
