July 13, 2010

US investigation finds toy chemical in McDonald's chicken nuggets

CNN study shows that McDonald's chicken nuggets sold in the US contain a chemical used in the children's toy, Silly Putty.

Reports state that "McNuggets" sold to American fast food lovers contain an anti-foaming agent used in Silly Putty called di-methyl-poly-siloxane. Also, the nuggets contain more calories and fat than those sold in the chain's British restaurants.

A spokeswoman for McDonald's puts the transatlantic differences down to local methods of food preparation. CNN reports that US McNuggets contain another chemical which is petrol-based called tertiary butylhydroquinone. British McNuggets contain neither.

According to McDonald's global media relations manager, Lisa McComb, dimethylpolysiloxane is used for safety reasons to prevent oil from foaming.