McDonald's faces backlash over unsanitary conditions, calls for better food safety

Fast food is a staple for many, offering quick, tasty meals at the drop of a hat—or so we like to think.

But a recent incident at a McDonald's in NSW has left customers reeling and rethinking their next drive-thru order.

What was once seen as a convenient dining option is now under scrutiny, as the event highlights potential safety and quality concerns that could change how we view fast food chains.


In what can only be described as a scene from a diner's nightmare, disturbing footage from a busy McDonald's store in Broadmeadow, Newcastle area, has surfaced.

It revealed a less-than-appetizing behind-the-scenes look at the fast-food giant.


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Disturbing footage inside a NSW McDonald's showed cockroaches and maggots, sparking customer outrage. Credit: Craig Dingle / iStock


The exclusive footage release showed an unwelcome infestation of cockroaches making themselves at home in the most unsavoury of places.

The creepy crawlies were seen scuttling around inside the fries station, across furniture, and strolling on the floor.

But the stomach-churning revelations didn't stop there. The video also captured dozens of maggots sprawled across a dustpan, adding to the horror of the unsanitary conditions.


The footage, released on a Tuesday evening, has since gone viral, sparking widespread disgust and concern among the public.

The exact recording date remains unclear, but the impact was immediate.

Upon seeing the footage, one customer expressed his revulsion, stating, 'I couldn't be fu**** going back in, I'm already late, and that video has ruined my dinner.'

Social media reactions were swift, with many vowing to avoid the restaurant altogether. 'I won't be going there to buy food anymore,' one social media user commented, echoing the sentiments of others who were equally appalled.

Interestingly, some pointed out that pests in eateries are uncommon and often go unnoticed.

They suggested that the young workforce might exacerbate the issue, with one commenter remarking, 'Why is everyone so shocked? These stores are run by teens that can't even clean their bedrooms, as if they are going to know anything about food safety standards.'


In response to the uproar, a McDonald's spokesperson expressed their disappointment and acknowledged that the conditions in the video fell short of the company's stringent food safety, quality, and hygiene standards.

They assured the public that immediate action had been taken at the Broadmeadow location, including a thorough professional pest inspection and additional pest control measures.

The spokesperson reiterated McDonald's commitment to food safety and customer experience, promising ongoing efforts to maintain high standards.

‘We’ll continue to work closely with the restaurant to ensure our customers feel confident in our commitment to food safety, quality and a great customer experience,’ the spokesperson said.


This incident isn't the first time McDonald's has faced hygiene-related backlash.

In a separate event last year, a Queensland employee was caught drying a mop head under the fries warmer at a branch in Booval, southwest of Brisbane.

The fast-food chain described the act as an 'isolated incident.'

Still, the damage to its reputation had already been done, with social media users making light of the situation with quips and jokes about the 'flavour' of their food.

‘So that’s where the flavour comes from,’ one humorously said.

‘The old McMop is back! Must be limited time only get in while [they’re] hot.’ another quipped.


In other news, a disturbing video showed a McDonald's employee drying a mop head under the fries warmer.

The incident occurred at a McDonald's in Booval, southwest of Brisbane, and quickly went viral. You can read more about it here.
Key Takeaways

  • Disturbing footage from inside a NSW McDonald's store showed cockroaches and maggots, causing customer outrage.
  • The footage, which showed pests in various parts of the store, including near the fries, prompted criticism of the store's hygiene standards.
  • A McDonald's spokesperson expressed disappointment and outlined immediate action, including a thorough pest inspection and increased pest control measures.
  • This incident has reignited discussions about hygiene concerns at fast-food outlets, with previous incidents also causing public concern for food safety.
Have you ever encountered something similar at a restaurant? How did it affect your dining choices moving forward? Let us know in the comments below.
 
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l remember in the UK it cost a penny to use the public toilets.There was always women cleaning the toilet before and after use.There was a saying ''l've got to go spend a penny'' :)
That’s an old saying.
 
l remember in the UK it cost a penny to use the public toilets.There was always women cleaning the toilet before and after use.There was a saying ''l've got to go spend a penny'' :)
The same here when I was a child and a teenager at DJ and other larger department stores, I think railways as well...not sure when they changed but the standards of maintenance and cleanliness dropped too..
 
Once upon a time we used to visit Maccas, just to use the loo, when on long trips. They used to be cleaned every hour and signs on the back of each door were signed off by the staff member who did the cleaning, and the time it was done. Not any more. Basic repairs are not even being done. Hygiene is severely lacking and in one instance we were directed to use the facilities at the nearby Krispy Kreme Cafe.
A friend of mine used to travel around OZ quite a lot. Her hubby planned the trip based upon where Maccas were along the way. They always preferred their facilities. Going back to the 90's up to 2000's that was the normal and in fact, appealing as a pit stop. Not so now.

I am saddened to see the state of some of the Maccas around the Hunter region. The worst would be in Newcastle West that is very close to night spots. They have to keep their loos locked, and, if you go in there and want to use the facilities, you have to ask for the key, 24/7.

This may well be a case of better the devil you know. Times have changed, so, I don't frequent Maccas much, not even for a coffee.
 
This is not happening just in Maccas, this problem is everywhere. Granted, there are plenty of franchises where the Manager /owner are fabulous particularly hygienic and tidy however this is not always the case. I will admit that I have very rarely purchased from such stores as Maccas, Hungry Jacks, KFC, Red Rooster etc.. Over 25 years ago I worked at Red Rooster, god help us if there was a spot of mould, a scrap of food or any mess found in that store..The owner would of had our guts for garters.
 
This is not happening just in Maccas, this problem is everywhere. Granted, there are plenty of franchises where the Manager /owner are fabulous particularly hygienic and tidy however this is not always the case. I will admit that I have very rarely purchased from such stores as Maccas, Hungry Jacks, KFC, Red Rooster etc.. Over 25 years ago I worked at Red Rooster, god help us if there was a spot of mould, a scrap of food or any mess found in that store..The owner would of had our guts for garters.
Worked at KFC on Pennant Hills road for a short time filling the orders and they were pretty clean
 
A friend of mine used to travel around OZ quite a lot. Her hubby planned the trip based upon where Maccas were along the way. They always preferred their facilities. Going back to the 90's up to 2000's that was the normal and in fact, appealing as a pit stop. Not so now.

I am saddened to see the state of some of the Maccas around the Hunter region. The worst would be in Newcastle West that is very close to night spots. They have to keep their loos locked, and, if you go in there and want to use the facilities, you have to ask for the key, 24/7.

This may well be a case of better the devil you know. Times have changed, so, I don't frequent Maccas much, not even for a coffee.
That Maccas in Newcastle West is right across the road from a Pub.
One can't blame Maccas for locking down the Loos because of drunk Yobbos from elsewhere. And it seems a pickup joint for the losers from the Pub
 
Due to the cost effective (?) use of young employees, the service at most McDonalds has deteriorated to where we no longer go to any of their outlets. The orders are continually incorrect, safe food handling is a joke and customer service is a thing of the past. The use of young employees is proving to be Costly...not cost effective. They just could not give a toss if an order is correct and just shrug when you bring it to their attention. Bye Bye Mecca's 👋
KLOWIENANA
They have ALWAYS used young staff ....... so this nothing new !!!!!!!

Correct food handling comes from PARENTS NOT TEACHING THEIR CHILDREN !!!!!!!! ....WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE EATING OR HANDLING FOOD !!!!!!!!

Terri
 
Due to the cost effective (?) use of young employees, the service at most McDonalds has deteriorated to where we no longer go to any of their outlets. The orders are continually incorrect, safe food handling is a joke and customer service is a thing of the past. The use of young employees is proving to be Costly...not cost effective. They just could not give a toss if an order is correct and just shrug when you bring it to their attention. Bye Bye Mecca's 👋
I have 2 grand-daughters who had worked at McDonalds during their last 2 years of schooling before entering Uni and they both had said that the use of young folk can be degrading for the rest of the staff as they bully the staff under their supervision. This is definitely NOT good as there's so much "bullying" going on and causing some of the young to commit suicide during their vulnerable years.
 

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