McDonald’s China Says McNugget Additives are “Harmless”

McDonald’s China said additives in its chicken McNuggets are “harmless”, following reports that the ingredients could pose health risks.

The unit said the use of tertiary butylhydroquinone in the fast-food chain’s fried chicken meets Chinese food safety standards.

McNuggets served in the US also contain tertiary butylhydroquinone, a petroleum-based product, and dimethylpolysiloxane, an anti-foaming agent used in cosmetics and other goods.

According to the company, McDonald’s Japan also serves chicken with the additives, which meet Japanese safety standards.

Poultry is the second most-consumed meat in China after pork and demand this year is estimated at more than 12.6 million tons, according to the China Animal Agriculture Association.