Post# 206 - McDonald's: Is a One-Nozzle Milkshake Dispenser a Potential Allergen Problem?

Once in a while, I feel I make a strong argument about something.  It bugs me when they don't take it seriously.  This is my note, sent 8/22/11:
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Dear McDonald's, 

Every time I order a shake, which is about three times a year, I've noticed something.  The shake I order tastes like the shake that was ordered before it.

In the old days, you had three shake flavors (four if you had the flavor of the day), and three spigots (again--four if you had the flavor of the day).  Now, you have one spigot and the flavors sort of "shoot" into the vanilla base. 

The problem is, if Customer A orders Chocolate, and Customer B orders Strawberry, there's still chocolate shake in the system that finds itself in the bottom of Customer B's cup.  And now that you've copied Arby's and gone to the smaller "transparent" cups and raised your prices, the different flavor is clearly visible at the bottom.  If you need a photo, I can provide it.



Furthermore, when Customer B puts the business end of his straw into the shake, what's the first thing he tastes?  Customer A's shake.  What if Customer B orders Strawberry because he is allergic to Chocolate, and Customer A ordered Chocolate, can you see the problem?  Maybe you have a Milkshake Disclaimer somewhere on your menu, but it's counterintuitive to think that one shake could contain two flavors.

I know people who are violently allergic to chocolate.  I also know someone who is allergic to strawberries.  Is there cause for concern there?  There should be, unless there isn't any actual cocoa or strawberries in your shakes.

Do you have an explanation for this, other than the one-spigot system being easier to clean and maintain?  Because to me, it seems like a real concern, and something that should be addressed swiftly and with great might.

Sincerely,

Jerry

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Subject: Message from McDonald's USA
To: stephmarie1974@yahoo.com
Date: Wednesday, August 24, 2011, 5:03 AM

Hello Jerry:

Thank you for taking the time to contact McDonald's.

I appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns. The one-spigot system was intended for convenience. A strict cleaning and sanitation schedule is in place to ensure the highest quality product with minimal chance of cross contamination. I apologize if this has not been your experience.

Again, thank you for contacting McDonald's. We hope to have the opportunity of serving you again soon under the Golden Arches.

Jennifer
McDonald's Customer Response Center

ref#:8113902

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My response, sent 8/24/2011:

Dear Jennifer,

I appreciate your response.  I find it confusing though.  The new-fangled one-nozzle-for-all-flavors system has been in for quite a while now.  I don't order many milkshakes, but I've ordered a few, and at more than one of your restaurants.  I have experienced the two-flavor shake virtually every time.  It's only really noticeable when the person before me ordered chocolate and I order vanilla or strawberry, but with the clear cups now, it's glaringly obvious.

You mention a very strict cleaning and sanitation cycle to minimize the chances of cross-contamination.  Well, wouldn't it have to be VERY strict?  Like "after every milkshake" strict?  Unless you get a busful of chocoholics, you're looking at a cleaning and sanitation cycle after each and every milkshake.  That leads to the question-- if you need to clean and sanitize after each and every milkshake to prevent the possible spreading of allergens, how is that more convenient than three or four nozzles?

My Strawberry Shake with Chocolate Residue From the Customer Before Me.

I recommend you send fifty McHenchmen out to 50 different restaurants, each with $6.  Have each order a chocolate milkshake, and then a vanilla milkshake, in that order.  Have them photograph the bottom of the clear cup with the vanilla milkshake.  Then tell me that you don't have a systemic problem.  I'd be REALLY interested in seeing that photo album.

Sincerely,

Jerry

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Post # 121 - Give the Peanut-Allergic Kids Their Plain M&M's - 3/8/2010

I have a soft spot in my heart for people with allergies.  I think companies need to do more for people.  Take some of the money that you'll use to develop my Coffee Bean M&M idea, and make plain M&M's accessible to peanut allergy sufferers.
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Dear M&M Mars,


Okay we get it. You can make M&M’s in any color we can think of, and with any text we want. You have giant M&M’s. Gourmet M&M’s. But not one, are you willing to deem peanut-free.

You have a disclaimer on the back of the Plain M&M wrapper that basically makes it impossible for a kid to eat Plain M&M’s. “May Contain Peanuts”.

Peanut allergies are the most common allergy among children. They affect at least 3 million people in the United States. The effects can be deadly, and peanut exposure cannot be taken lightly. Concerned parents become vigilant label-readers, in the name of love. While I appreciate you protecting people, as a lead-in to a bigger question.

How many kids never get to taste a delicious peanut butter patty or peanut butter pie, or peanut brittle, or Peanut M&M’s? Or for that matter, Plain M&M’s.

Why don’t you make all of your peanut-free products in a peanut-free facility on peanut free equipment and with peanut-free supplies? Build a second factory on the empty lot next to your first factory, and make it completely peanut free. You can make everything from Dove Chocolates to Milky Ways to Caramel Twix here. People who have been in Peanut Factory A would not be allowed in Peanut-Free Factory B. Supplies to Factory B would come from a Peanut-Free supply chain. The critics would applaud you. Parents and kids would hug you.

Leverage your supply chain, and all of your workers to take the Peanut Oath:

I solemnly swear to steer completely clear of peanuts, in mind, body, and spirit.

I do so with the health and safety of the almighty customer in mind.

I shall remain peanut-free, like the products that I make.

It seems like the only thing standing in the way would be a little cash. But aren’t three million loyal customers worth it?

Give the Peanut Allergy kids a taste. That’s all I’m asking. A worry-free, Plain M&M taste.

Sincerely,

Jerry
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From: do-not-reply@masterfoodsusa.com


Subject: M&M'S MILK CHOCOLATE CANDIES.

Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:18:13 -0500



Dear Mr. Herman,



In response to your email regarding M&M'S MILK CHOCOLATE CANDIES.



Thank you for your email.



Our Marketing Staff is continually working on new ideas. Although we cannot say what they are, we hope you will continue to watch and enjoy!



Have a great day!



Your Friends at Mars Chocolate North America



MM/cl011175969A



Please do NOT reply to this email. If you would like to respond to this message, click on the link below.



http://www.econsumeraffairs.com/mars/ContactUsFollowUp.htm?F1=011175969A&F2=ZZ
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Dear Good Fudge Folk,

Thanks for dangling your marketing secrets in front of me, and then hiding it. From the tone of your note, it sounds like you’re admitting that there’s a problem there (the peanut disclaimer on non-peanut candy).

So aside from marketing some new and fancy M & M to coincide with whatever hot movie is coming out this summer (Toy Story 3?), it’d be nice if you just give the peanut-free kids a taste.

Thanks,

Jerry

PS-I’m working on some stuff too, that I can’t tell YOU about. FYI.

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