Pink Slime Not Used in Its China Burgers Says McD's
By wchung | 09 Jun, 2026

McDonald’s was forced to reveal that it uses a higher quality of beef for its burgers sold in China than in the US after it was pressed to release more information about the use of the so-called pink slime.

Pink slime is the derogatory name given to the ammonia-treated lean-beef trimmings which was approved for use in the US by the Department of Agriculture. USDA approval signifies that a food is generally recognized as safe.

After being pressed by Chinese consumers to disclose more information McDonald’s said Sunday that it has not used it in its burgers since last year .

“This product has been out of our supply chain since August of last year,” said the McDonald’s China statement. “We are always reviewing and evolving our standards to ensure we continue to serve safe, high-quality food to our customers.”

It added that its burgers are made from 100% beef, and has no plans to make further comment on the issue.

McDonald’s burgers in China contain different ingredients from those in the US, revealed McDonald’s China’s top PR executive. She added that McDonald’s production process is superior to China’s national standards. The only additive to the beef are pepper and salt as the patties are being grilled in the restaurants, she added.

McDonald’s USA has said it too was discontinuing the use of pink slime in its burgers, according to recent media reports.