McDonald’s Reduces Salt in Chicken McNuggets™
UK Press Releases
May 19, 2004
· One of the lowest salt content chicken nuggets on the market
· 30% less salt (per 100g)
McDonald’s today launches its new recipe for Chicken McNuggets, making them one of the lowest salt nuggets on the market. These changes fit within the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) guidelines on salt. The changes to this family favourite reflect a range of improvements which have been made in the past year to the Happy Meal menu.
Very much a Happy Meal staple, the new reduced salt Chicken McNugget, made with breast meat, follows on from initiatives such as the introduction of organic milk and the popular 80g fruit bag launched in April 2003,with sales of over 10 million in its first year.
McDonald’s spokesperson, Amanda Pierce said, “Mums will already be aware of some of the changes to the Happy Meal menu in terms of offering them more choice and variety when it comes to their children’s diet. Chicken McNuggets are extremely popular with children and now mums can have the confidence that they have one of the lowest salt contents on the market. However they are not just for kids - adults can enjoy the great taste too!”
McDonald’s Nutrition consultant in the UK, Anita Bean, commented, "All salt reductions are a positive step and contribute to the aspirations set by the FSA and the DoH. There is clear evidence that reducing the nation's salt intake would lead to a significant reduction in blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. "
McDonald’s is working with the Food Standards Agency and relevant Government departments to share its targets for reductions in levels of salt, and plans for future additions to the menu.
For further media information please contact the McDonald’s Press Office on 020 8700 7320
Notes to Editors:
· The first ever Chicken McNugget was launched in McDonald's in 1984
· The only meat used in our new Chicken McNuggets is tasty Chicken breast
· Consumer research has revealed the Chicken McNugget is the most popular Happy Meal option
· McDonald's is about to launch a new Happy Meal nutritional leaflet in restaurants. The leaflet provides information about the range, together with a complete nutritional breakdown and nutritional guidance
· McDonald's has sold over ten million Happy Meal Fruit Bags since April 2003 making us the number one retailer of pre-prepared fruit in the UK
· As part of the Happy Meal changes parents can swap fries for a fruit bag in the Happy Meal
· More people are now enjoying milk in our restaurants. Since the launch of semi skimmed Organic Milk in February 2003, our milk sales have increased by 26%
Nutritional Comparisons
