Case of the 14-year-old 'perfect' burger

McDonald’s says it’s no big deal that a 14-year-old hamburger still looks perfectly preserved.

The hamburger has been in the news, most recently on The Doctors, a daily US syndicated TV talk show that discusses medical issues raised by viewers. It is also shown in Canada, Mexico, Australia, Ireland, Sweden and Finland.

In a recent episode, Dr Travis Stork donned medical gloves to examine the hamburger that looks barely an hour old, even though its owner, David Whipple, of Utah, claims he bought it on July 7, 1999.

He says he has the receipt and he forgot about the hamburger left in a coat pocket until it was found later by his wife.

“We said ‘Oh my gosh, I can’t believe it looks the same way,’” Mr Whipple says.

McDonald’s says the apparent lack of mould or disintegration – assuming it’s not a prank – is likely the result of dehydration and not the use preservatives, as claimed on The Doctors.

Panellist and pediatrician Dr Jim Sears told viewers: “If the mould won’t eat it, if the fungus won’t eat it, bugs won’t eat it. Maybe ...  we shouldn’t be eating it.”

But McDonald’s explains, in an extensive press release, that it is no big deal.

“McDonald’s hamburgers are freshly prepared in our restaurants. While not knowing the conditions in which the food was kept in this specific claim, what is scientifically known is that bacteria and mould only grow under certain conditions,” it says.

It goes on to explain that many other foods bought and kept in a dry environment will hold up the same.

“For example, without sufficient moisture – either in the food itself or the environment in which it is held – bacteria and mould, and associated decomposition, is unlikely.

“If food is/or becomes dry enough, it won’t grow mould or bacteria. In fact, any food purchased from a restaurant or grocery store or prepared at home that lacks moisture would also dehydrate and see similar results if left in the same environment.”

McDonald’s concludes by saying the meat is 100% beef and is preservative free. The buns are no different from others sold in America.