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[[File:McDonald's Golden Arches.png|right]]

[[File:McDonald's Golden Arches.png|right]]

'''McDonald's''' is an global fast-food chain specializing in [[hamburger]]s. It operates more than 30,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries on 6 continents.<ref>http://www.supersizeme.com/home.aspx?page=bythelb</ref> Although the first McDonald's was opened in [[California]] in 1940 by the McDonald brothers, the first [[franchise]] under the corporation as it exists today was opened by [[Ray Kroc]] in [[Illinois]] in 1955. The company is headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois.

'''McDonald's''' is a global fast-food chain specializing in [[hamburger]]s. It operates more than 30,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries on six continents.<ref>http://www.supersizeme.com/home.aspx?page=bythelb</ref> Although the first McDonald's was opened in [[California]] in 1940 by the McDonald brothers, the first [[franchise]] under the corporation as it exists today was opened by [[Ray Kroc]] in [[Illinois]] in 1955. The company is headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois.

McDonald's is the most popular fast-food restaurant, and second to Subway in number of stores.

McDonald's is the most popular fast-food restaurant, and second to Subway in number of stores.

However, McDonald's has shown it can improve its menu in recent years. The chain has added fresh salads to its menu, as well as apples, parfaits, milk, and juice to lighten up its meat, potatoes, and soda menu. McDonald's has not marketed burgers and fries directly to children in several years, and has promoted healthy lifestyles. They recently have also cut the amount of French fries in half (the portion size went from 2.4 ounces to 1.1 ounces) in their Happy Meals, replacing them with apple slices without the standard caramel sauce, reducing the caloric count to well below 600.<ref>[http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/837079/the-new-mcdonalds-happy-meal-reduces-fries-keeps-toy]</ref> However, critics claim the hamburgers and fries are still the biggest product at the restaurants.

However, McDonald's has shown it can improve its menu in recent years. The chain has added fresh salads to its menu, as well as apples, parfaits, milk, and juice to lighten up its meat, potatoes, and soda menu. McDonald's has not marketed burgers and fries directly to children in several years, and has promoted healthy lifestyles. They recently have also cut the amount of French fries in half (the portion size went from 2.4 ounces to 1.1 ounces) in their Happy Meals, replacing them with apple slices without the standard caramel sauce, reducing the caloric count to well below 600.<ref>[http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/837079/the-new-mcdonalds-happy-meal-reduces-fries-keeps-toy]</ref> However, critics claim the hamburgers and fries are still the biggest product at the restaurants.

==History==

==History==

Richard and Maurice McDonald opened McDonald's Bar-B-Que in San Bernardino, California. It was a typical drive-in featuring a vast menu and carhops. In 1948, the McDonald brothers shut down the restaurant for three months for alterations. They remade it into a self-service restaurant featuring only a few menu items: Hamburgers and cheeseburgers, soda, milkshakes, coffee, potato chips, and pie, with the core staple being the 15 cent hamburger.  

Richard and Maurice McDonald opened McDonald's Bar-B-Que in San Bernardino, California. It was a typical drive-in featuring a vast menu and carhops. In 1948, the McDonald brothers shut down the restaurant for three months for alterations. They remade it into a self-service restaurant featuring only a few menu items: Hamburgers and cheeseburgers, soda, milkshakes, coffee, potato chips, and pie, with the core staple being the 15 cent hamburger.  

The present corporation dates back to the opening of a franchised restaurant by Ray Kroc, in Des Plaines, Illinois, on April 15, 1955, which was overall the ninth McDonald's restaurant opened. Kroc later purchased the McDonald brothers' equity in the company. Kroc led the chain's worldwide expansion. Ronald McDonald, the company's signature mascot, was introduced in 1967. He was originally portrayed by Willard Scott, but is now portrayed by several different people. McDonald's first filed for a U.S. trademark on the name "McDonald's" on May 4, 1961. They also filed for a trademark on the original overlapping arches, but eventually went with the modern "Golden Arches" that form an "M". The company also became listed on the public stock markets in 1965.

The present corporation dates back to the opening of a franchised restaurant by Ray Kroc, in Des Plaines, Illinois, on April 15, 1955, which was overall the ninth McDonald's restaurant opened. Kroc later purchased the McDonald brothers' equity in the company. Kroc led the chain's worldwide expansion. Ronald McDonald, the company's signature mascot, was introduced in 1967. He was originally portrayed by Willard Scott, but has since been portrayed by several different people and was the focus of the chain's McDonaldland media advertising campaign between the 1970s and the 1990s. McDonald's first filed for a U.S. trademark on the name "McDonald's" on May 4, 1961. They also filed for a trademark on the original overlapping arches, but eventually went with the modern "Golden Arches" that form an "M". The company also became listed on the public stock markets in 1965. In 1967, the first McDonald's outside the United States, and the first Canadian McDonald's, opened in Richmond, British Columbia.

McDonald's restaurants are found in 119 countries, with over 31,000 restaurants, employ more than 1.5 million people, and serve over 58 million people a day.

McDonald's restaurants are found in 119 countries, with over 31,000 restaurants, employ more than 1.5 million people, and serve over 58 million people a day.

==Criticism==

==Criticism==

McDonald's has often been accused of knowingly selling unhealthy food.<ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=yNFN1OpnkBkC&dq=fast+food+nation&pg=PP1&ots=l_kkxv7x65&sig=M0lMjzxa92mnxMp4CXMS3VaYpLk&prev=http://www.google.com/search%3Fq%3Dfast%2Bfood%2Bnation%26ie%3Dutf-8%26oe%3Dutf-8%26aq%3Dt%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26client%3Dfirefox-a&sa=X&oi=print&ct=title#PPA2,M1 Fast Food Nation]</ref> McDonald's states that health is not only an issue of food but also of a balanced active lifestyle.  McDonald's sponsors many events that promote active physical behavior, such as The Olympic Games.;<ref>[http://www.mcdonalds.com/usa/eat.html McDonald's Corporate website]</ref> this is why many McDonald's restaurants have a jungle gym for the children to play in and be active. McDonald's also sells salads and water, two healthy food items, breakfast foods such as oatmeal, and several drinks that are artificially flavored to taste like fruit.  The "[[schlockumentary]]" ''[[Super Size Me]]'' aimed at proving that McDonald's had no interest in healthy customers whatsoever.<ref>[http://www.hulu.com/watch/63283/super-size-me Super Size Me]</ref>

McDonald's has often been accused of knowingly selling unhealthy food.<ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=yNFN1OpnkBkC&dq=fast+food+nation&pg=PP1&ots=l_kkxv7x65&sig=M0lMjzxa92mnxMp4CXMS3VaYpLk&prev=http://www.google.com/search%3Fq%3Dfast%2Bfood%2Bnation%26ie%3Dutf-8%26oe%3Dutf-8%26aq%3Dt%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26client%3Dfirefox-a&sa=X&oi=print&ct=title#PPA2,M1 Fast Food Nation]</ref> McDonald's states that health is not only an issue of food but also of a balanced active lifestyle.  McDonald's sponsors many events that promote active physical behavior, such as the Olympic Games;<ref>[http://www.mcdonalds.com/usa/eat.html McDonald's Corporate website]</ref> this is why many McDonald's restaurants have a jungle gym for the children to play in and be active. McDonald's also sells salads and bottled water, two healthy food items, breakfast foods such as oatmeal, and several drinks that are artificially flavored to taste like fruit.  The "[[schlockumentary]]" ''[[Super Size Me]]'' aimed at proving that McDonald's had no interest in healthy customers whatsoever.<ref>[http://www.hulu.com/watch/63283/super-size-me Super Size Me]</ref>

=== McLibel Trial ===

=== McLibel Trial ===

In 1990, McDonald's sued for [[libel]] several members of Greenpeace London (an organization which at the time of the incident was no longer connected with Greenpeace), who had been writing and distributing leaflets criticizing McDonald's.  Of the five defendants, three repented due to lack of money for legal costs.  The remaining two, [[Helen Steel]] and [[Dave Morris]], decided to take the case to court in 1994 with [[pro bono]] legal representation and public donations.  This became known as the [[McLibel]] Trial. On day 102 in court - March 13, 1995 - McLibel became the longest ever UK libel trial, beating the previous record of 101 days in the Daily Mail vs The Moonies (1982). On December 11, 1995, it became the longest civil case (as opposed to criminal) in British history.  

In 1990, McDonald's sued for [[libel]] several members of Greenpeace London (an organization which at the time of the incident was no longer connected with Greenpeace), which had been writing and distributing leaflets criticizing McDonald's.  Of the five defendants, three repented due to lack of money for legal costs.  The remaining two, [[Helen Steel]] and [[Dave Morris]], decided to take the case to court in 1994 with [[pro bono]] legal representation and public donations.  This became known as the [[McLibel]] Trial. On day 102 in court - March 13, 1995 - McLibel became the longest ever UK libel trial, beating the previous record of 101 days in the Daily Mail vs The Moonies (1982). On December 11, 1995, it became the longest civil case (as opposed to criminal) in British history. On November 1, 1996 (court day 292), McLibel became the longest trial of any kind in English history.

On November 1, 1996 (court day 292), McLibel became the longest trial of any kind in English history.

On June 19, 1997, Mr. Justice Bell took two hours to read his summary. He ruled that Steel and Morris had not proved the allegations against McDonald's on rainforest destruction, heart disease and cancer, food poisoning, starvation in the Third World and bad working conditions. But they had proved that McDonald's "exploit children" with their advertising, falsely advertise their food as nutritious, risk the health of their most regular, long-term customers, are "culpably responsible" for cruelty to animals, are "strongly antipathetic" to unions and pay their workers low wages.

On June 19, 1997, Mr. Justice Bell took two hours to read his summary. He ruled that Steel and Morris had not proved the allegations against McDonald's on rainforest destruction, heart disease and cancer, food poisoning, starvation in the Third World and bad working conditions. But they had proved that McDonald's "exploit children" with their advertising, falsely advertise their food as nutritious, risk the health of their most regular, long-term customers, are "culpably responsible" for cruelty to animals, are "strongly antipathetic" to unions and pay their workers low wages.

The Judge ruled that Steel and Morris had libeled McDonald's, but as they had proved many of the allegations, they would only owe half of the claimed damages: £60,000.

The judge ruled that Steel and Morris had libeled McDonald's, but as they had proved many of the allegations, they would only owe half of the claimed damages: £60,000.

 

In March 2008, Richard Ellis, McDonald's vice president of communications, joined the board of directors of a pro gay-rights organization, the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.<ref>[http://outandaboutnewspaper.com/article.php?id=2470 "National gay chamber adds McDonald’s corporation officer to board." ''Out and About'' March 13, 2008.]</ref> Ellis states:

In March 2008, Richard Ellis, McDonald's vice president of communications, joined the board of directors of a pro gay-rights organization, the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.<ref>[http://outandaboutnewspaper.com/article.php?id=2470 "National gay chamber adds McDonald’s corporation officer to board." ''Out and About'' March 13, 2008.]</ref> Ellis states:

===''Super Size Me''===

===''Super Size Me''===

''Super Size Me'' is a schlockumentary by liberal filmmaker Morgan Spurlock. The film is meant to criticize the fast food industry, with a special focus on McDonald's. Spurlock decides to go on a diet in which he would eat and drink items that came from McDonald's for thirty days. He had doctors check him before the experiment, and they said he was in excellent health.

''Super Size Me'' is a schlockumentary by liberal filmmaker Morgan Spurlock. The film is meant to criticize the fast food industry, with a special focus on McDonald's. Spurlock decides to go on a diet in which he would eat and drink items that came from McDonald's for thirty days. He had doctors check him before the experiment, and they said he was in excellent health.

Spurlock did this because he had said that McDonald's claimed their food could be integrated into a healthy diet. Spurlock ate three full meals from McDonald's for a month, eating each menu item at least once. He was to super size his meal only when asked by the cashier. He also greatly decreased his exercise regimen, to be on par with the average McDonald's consumer.  Toward the end of his experiment, his doctors urgently advised him to quit to save his health and possibly his life.

Spurlock did this because he had said that McDonald's claimed their food could be integrated into a healthy diet. Spurlock ate three full meals from McDonald's for a month, eating each menu item at least once. He was to super size his meal only when asked by the cashier. He also greatly decreased his exercise regimen, to be on par with the average McDonald's consumer.  Toward the end of his experiment, his doctors urgently advised him to quit to save his health and possibly his life.

After a month, Spurlock had significant weight gain, an increase in cholesterol, and fatty liver. McDonald's took the Super Size option off their menu, though they claim it was not a result of the film.

After a month, Spurlock had significant weight gain, an increase in cholesterol, and fatty liver, resulting from his choice to eat only from McDonald's and to not exercise. McDonald's took the Super Size option off their menu, though they claim it was not a result of the film.

== Regionalization ==

== Regionalization ==

[[File:McKosher.jpg|thumb|right|200px|McDonald's varies its menu for the region. In [[Israel]], McDonald's serves [[kosher]] food]]

[[File:McKosher.jpg|thumb|right|200px|McDonald's varies its menu for the region. In [[Israel]], McDonald's serves [[kosher]] food]]

McDonald's outlets outside of the US often have different menu items, and the formulations of some products may vary. For example, McDonald's sells rice in many Asian countries, and McDonald's [[Australia]] sells a wider range of 'healthy' foods, such as wraps with poached chicken, and has smaller portion sizes.

McDonald's outlets outside of the US often have different menu items, and the formulations of some products may vary (see Menu below). For example, McDonald's sells rice in many Asian countries, and McDonald's [[Australia]] sells a wider range of "healthy" foods, such as wraps with poached chicken, and has smaller portion sizes.

==Menu==

==Menu==

McDonald's original menu when the Speedy Service System was adopted was simply hamburgers, chips, soda, and milkshakes.

McDonald's original menu when the Speedy Service System was adopted was simply hamburgers, potato chips, soda, and milkshakes.

 

Today, McDonald's has a largely meat-and-potatoes diet, with sandwiches such as the McDouble (two hamburger patties with cheese, onions, seasonings, and pickle) the Big Mac (a larger burger with two patties, three buns, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, onions, and a special sauce) the Quarter Pounder and the Double Quarter Pounder available with cheese, the Big n' Tasty (a sandwich similar to Burger King's Whopper), the McChicken (fried chicken sandwich with mayonnaise and lettuce), the Filet o' Fish (fish sandwich with tartar sauce) and others. There are also various sizes of French fries, sodas, milkshakes (strawberry, vanilla, chocolate, various seasonal shakes such as Mint and egg nog), ice cream and sundaes. In recent years, healthier options have been added such as premium salads, parfaits, Snack Wraps, and apples.  

Today, McDonald's has a largely meat-and-potatoes diet, with sandwiches such as the McDouble (two hamburger patties with cheese, onions, seasonings, and pickle) the Big Mac (a larger burger with two patties three buns, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, onions, and a special sauce) the Quarter Pounder and the Double Quarter Pounder available with cheese, the Big n' Tasty (a sandwich similar to Burger King's Whopper), the McChicken (fried chicken sandwich with mayonnaise and lettuce) the Filet o' Fish (fish with tartar sauce), and others. There are also various sizes of French fries, sodas, milkshakes (strawberry, vanilla, chocolate, various seasonal shakes such as Mint and egg nog), ice cream and sundaes. In recent years, healthier options have been added such as premium salads, parfaits, Snack Wraps, and apples.

Also, regional variations exist among McDonald's international franchise menu items; at its Canadian restaurants for example, the Quarter Pounder BLT, the Mighty Angus (an Angus beef and BLT burger with grilled onions and barbecue sauce served on a sesame seed and poppy bun), the Double Big Mac (which doubles the number of patties to four), the Double Filet o' Fish (which adds a second fish patty), the Country Chicken sandwich and the dessert item McFlurry (similar to Dairy Queen's Blizzard) are part of the menu. In [[India]], McDonald's franchises there do not serve items containing beef due to religious prohibitions on eating beef; instead, the Chicken Maharaja Mac and its vegetarian version, the Veg Maharaja Mac, are sold as part of its menu. In [[Israel]], many, though not all, McDonald's restaurants are [[kosher]]-certified (although kosher beef is sold at all locations) and barbecue beef patties on charcoal grills instead of frying them, and in keeping with Jewish dietary law, no pork products (particularly bacon) are served at any locations. In Islamic countries, McDonald's menu items are [[halal]]-certified and no pork products are served. In [[Japan]], the Teriyaki McBurger (which includes ground pork patties and teriyaki sauce) and the Fillet-O-Ebi (which has a fried shrimp patty served with mustard) are included in the local McDonald's menu.

==Employment==

==Employment==