Metallic Substance Found in Big Mac

Sharp metallic materials were found in a hamburger at the world`s largest fast food chain McDonald, prompting investigation by health authorities.

The Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) said Thursday that it launched a probe after receiving a report that metal substances were found in the patty of a “Big Mac,” McDonald’s flagship burger.

According to the consumer who reported the case, she bought the burger in question at McDonald Gwanhun branch in Seoul, discovered the metallic materials and called 1339, the call service for reporting substandard and adulterated food.

The KFDA took over the meat and is examining the materials and how they entered the burger meat.

The Jongno District Office, which exercises jurisdiction over the involved McDonald branch, randomly collected 25 pieces of burger patty from the branch and sent them to the Research Institute of Public Health and Environment in regards to the allegation and to see whether they are also tainted by metal substances.

The consumer said that she also filed a complaint with McDonald Korea. But the company reportedly failed to notify the KFDA of the matter.

“If a comprehensive measure for food safety that mandates food makers to report to the KFDA upon receiving complaints from consumers over the discovery of foreign materials, the practice of food manufacturers hiding consumers’ reports will change,” said an official of the agency.

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