Additional Coverage:
- 7 Fast-Food Chains That Serve Low-Quality Beef (cheapism.com)
<h2>Behind the Bun: Unpacking the Quality of Fast-Food Beef</h2>
Let’s be real: no one steps into a fast-food restaurant expecting a health-food haven. We often willingly overlook a few things to satisfy that sudden craving.
But where do we draw the line? While luxury cattle aren’t on the menu, there’s still an expectation of what constitutes “beef.”
When a fast-food chain lands in the “low quality” category, it’s not just about a bland patty. It’s a cocktail of questionable antibiotic policies, a flood of customer complaints (the internet is rife with them!), the occasional legal battle, and perhaps most unsettling, beef that isn’t quite 100% beef. Here’s a closer look at seven fast-food chains whose beef quality has raised eyebrows.
<h3>Taco Bell</h3>
Taco Bell has certainly had its share of scrutiny regarding its “seasoned beef.” Back in 2011, a class-action lawsuit famously claimed the chain’s beef product was only 36% actual beef.
Taco Bell countered, asserting their beef was 88% USDA-approved meat, with the remainder being seasonings and binders. The lawsuit was eventually dropped, but the skepticism lingered like a stubborn hot sauce stain.
Since then, the Tex-Mex giant has made efforts, removing artificial colors and fillers, and even pledging to reduce antibiotic use by 25% by 2025. Still, some customers remain unconvinced, as Taco Bell hasn’t committed to being entirely antibiotic-free. A 2022 investigation by The Guardian further highlighted that some of their beef suppliers continue to use antibiotics.
<h3>Burger King</h3>
The “King” might wear the crown, but its beef practices have occasionally raised a royal eyebrow. Whopper loyalists were notably shaken in 2013 when DNA tests in Europe revealed horsemeat in some Burger King patties.
While the chain recovered from this PR nightmare, a subtle asterisk has remained over their meat quality. Burger King has promised to cut antibiotic use by 2030, a timeline that confirms they’re still part of the antibiotic-using club.
Unlike rivals like Wendy’s, Shake Shack, and In-N-Out, which boast fresh beef, Burger King opts for frozen patties.
<h3>Domino’s</h3>
Domino’s might be a go-to for a quick pizza fix, but many suggest steering clear of their beef options, especially the Double Bacon Cheeseburger. Both customers and even Domino’s employees have reportedly described the chain’s beef as “gross,” “feeling like 70% soy,” and generally “the worst.” Adding to the mystery, Domino’s has not publicly disclosed its stance on antibiotic-free beef.
<h3>Del Taco</h3>
Del Taco’s “seasoned beef” could perhaps be better described as “beef-adjacent.” The chain’s recipe includes a notable amount of filler, from wheat protein and textured vegetable protein to oats and a surprisingly long list of other ingredients, including silicon dioxide, autolyzed yeast extract, sugar, and various acids. When it comes to animal welfare standards or antibiotic use in their beef, the Tex-Mex chain maintains a notable silence.
<h3>Jack in the Box</h3>
Almost three decades ago, Jack in the Box was at the heart of one of America’s most severe foodborne illness outbreaks. Four lives were lost, and 730 people fell ill due to E. coli-contaminated meat served across 70 locations.
The disaster nearly crippled the chain. While significant improvements were undoubtedly made, they still cut corners with the “beef” in their tacos, which is more of a figure of speech given it’s actually a blend of ground dark chicken and textured vegetable protein.
<h3>Dairy Queen</h3>
Dairy Queen is a solid choice for a Blizzard, but their burgers? That’s a different story.
While DQ claims its burgers are 100% ground beef without fillers, they’re notably quiet about welfare standards and antibiotic use. Burger enthusiasts often lament the strange texture and odd taste of DQ burgers.
It also doesn’t help that the chain was once sued after a customer allegedly suffered food poisoning from a moldy burger. Best to stick to the ice cream, perhaps.
<h3>Whataburger</h3>
Whataburger enjoys a fervent regional following, sometimes to the point of exasperation for outsiders. However, when it comes to its beef, the Texas-born chain has seen some quality concerns surface.
Despite claims of using 100% USDA-certified beef, Whataburger received a failing “F” grade on the 2018 Chain Reaction IV scorecard for its lack of a clear antibiotics policy. Furthermore, since a majority stake was sold to an investment firm in 2019, loyal fans have taken to online forums to complain about their once-beloved patties becoming thinner and drier.
So, the next time that fast-food craving hits, a little research into what’s actually in your meal might just change your order.
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- 7 Fast-Food Chains That Serve Low-Quality Beef (cheapism.com)