Potatoes to Fries
"When McDonald’s began, it was buying potatoes from 175 local farms. But for founder Ray Kroc, this was much too inefficient. He wanted to monopolize the supply, and he wanted a uniform potato. He chose one supplier, JR Simplot, which built enormous potato farms -- based upon unsustainable farming practices that delivered a potato suitable for McDonald's much-hyped uniform fries....Simplot's methods crushed the competition. It is now one of the largest privately owned corporations in the world. Today, Simplot will contract with potato growers who irrigate their fields and deliver potatoes with a uniform length, appearance, and color." -Corporate Accountability International |
These methods Simplot used resulted in soil degradation and pollution of water by the chemicals and fertilizers used to obtain this "perfect fry." However, in 1966, Ray Kroc started using frozen fries instead of the original fresh potatoes.
"McDonald's USA does not source GMO potatoes, nor do we have current plans to change our sourcing practices," the company said in a statement [because] The potatoes have fewer sugars than conventional potatoes and less asparagine, which has the potential to become a carcinogen - acrylamide - when fried."-Idaho Statesman
"Because of the enormous scope and influence of Simplot, chances are that the potato you buy from the grocery store or eat at a restaurant is the same potato that McDonald’s uses for its fries." -Corporate Accountability International |