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McDonald's To Workers: Burgers Are Unhealthy

by Adrienne Vogt

How Mc-ironic. McDonald's McResource site, an internal site that offers advice to employees, reportedly encouraged people to avoid food like burgers and fries by pairing photos of them next to healthier alternatives. McDonald's Corp. announced that it is shutting down the McResource site, which is operated by an outside vendor. In its "fast-food tips" section, the site discouraged employees from eating the "unhealthy choice" — a photos of a suspiciously familiar-looking red-packaged soda, fries, and burger — encouraging them instead to opt for a sandwich, side salad, and glass of water.

Even though McDonald's announced an overhaul of its Value Menu to include fruit, salads, and veggies, its fatty burgers and greasy fries are still the fast-food giant's staple — and the items targeted on the website, which included content from an outside company. The McResource site warned people that "eating a diet high in fat puts people at risk for becoming overweight" and encouraged those eating hamburgers to ask for "a single, plain meat patty without the cheese and sauces." In a chipper tone, the site also remarked, "Although not impossible it is more of a challenge to eat healthy when going to a fast food place. In general, avoiding items that are deep fried are your best bet."

Although the site Is It Down Right Now? shows that the page is in fact up and reachable, the McResource website loads as a completely blank page. As of yesterday afternoon, the site reportedly claimed: "We are temporarily performing some maintenance in order to provide you with the best experience possible."

McDonald's is currently performing some serious PR spin:

"Between links to irrelevant or outdated information, along with outside groups taking elements out of context, this created unwarranted scrutiny and inappropriate commentary," according to a statement from the company.

The company has come under scrutiny recently as fast-food worker strikes erupted across the country this summer, with picketers shouting "No more burgers. No more fries. Make our wages super-sized." Even though minimum-wage workers earn just $7.25 an hour, McDonald's and other huge corporations easily reap billions of dollars in revenue.

McDonald's plans to keep its internal telephone help line active. This is the same help line that reportedly told a veteran employee to go on food stamps or Medicaid to support her children.

Images via RT.com, Retail Hell Underground