Health Groups Urge Fast-Food Chains to Halt Frying With Fat

A coalition of health organizations and scientists today called on hamburger chains, including McDonald’s and Burger King, to offer their patrons healthier food and stop cooking french fries in beef fat.

“We are troubled by many of your products, but especially by the unnecessary use of shortening made largely from beef fat,” said a letter from organizations that included the American Heart Assn., American Public Health Assn. and the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Ralph Nader’s group.

“As you know, a small serving of your french fries contains more beef fat than your regular hamburger,” they said.

The letter was also sent to the fast food chains Wendy’s and Jack in the Box.

McDonald’s has already stopped frying chicken, fish and pies in beef fat, and announced last week that it is testing french fries cooked in vegetable oil in 500 of its restaurants.