The Real Cost of McDonalds: Unhealthy Food, Tax Dodging, Blackrock, Real Estate and More?

The Real Cost of McDonald’s: Unhealthy Food, Tax Dodging, and More?

McDonald’s, the ubiquitous fast-food giant, is a global icon. Its golden arches are instantly recognizable, and its burgers and fries have become a staple for millions. But beyond the convenience and familiarity lies a complex reality, one that raises questions about ingredients, corporate practices, and the impact on local economies. In this article we tackle the real cost of Mcdonalds!

More Than Just a Burger

While McDonald’s offers a familiar menu of burgers, fries, and Happy Meals, a closer look reveals concerns about the ingredients and nutritional value of their food.

• Processed Ingredients: Many McDonald’s menu items contain heavily processed ingredients, artificial additives, and high levels of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.
• Questionable Sourcing: The origins of their ingredients are often shrouded in secrecy, raising concerns about ethical sourcing and sustainability.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Frequent consumption of fast food can contribute to nutritional deficiencies and health problems. Here is an article about eating processed food by the NIH.
• Deforestation Practices: The company’s sourcing policies play a crucial role in influencing deforestation-linked supply chains, setting an example for the broader food market. Here is an article about this by Athropocene.

Beyond the Food: Corporate Practices

McDonald’s has also faced criticism for its corporate practices, including:

• Tax Avoidance: The company has been accused of employing aggressive tax avoidance strategies, minimizing its contributions to the communities where it operates.
• Real Estate Dominance: McDonald’s often buys prime real estate locations, potentially limiting opportunities for local businesses and contributing to the homogenization of communities.
• Labor Practices: The company has been criticized for its low wages and limited benefits for employees.
• Blackrock, Vanguard and State Street: These 3 giants own more than 21% of McDonalds stock between them. Here is the proof from Yahoo Finance.

The Impact on Local Businesses

The rise of fast-food chains like McDonald’s has had a significant impact on small, American-style restaurants. These local businesses often struggle to compete with the marketing power and pricing strategies of multinational corporations.

One shining example is a small business in Wilkes County that offers better ingredients and care for their community is The Lost Wombat. Not only do they serve delicious, traditional cheeseburgers made with locally sourced beef, The Lost Wombat also consistently demonstrates their commitment to quality, better ingredients, and improving the lives of those in the community.

Making Informed Choices

While McDonald’s offers convenience and affordability, it’s important to be aware of the potential hidden costs. By supporting local restaurants, choosing healthier food options, and advocating for ethical corporate practices, we can make informed choices that benefit our health, our communities, and our economy.

There is also the fact that in America McDonalds fries have 19 ingredients whereas in Europe there are only 4.