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McDonald's review: Substitutions 138

I
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9:26 am EDT
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So recently, McDonalds introduced yogurt into their Happy Meals. Alright, had no problem with this. It's good to offer a nutritous substitute to fries, after all. Now, I have a small appetite, so I normally get a Happy meal, rather than the adult-sized equivalent. I'm also lactose intolerant (and not the 'I get gas in four hours' kind, the 'I vomit as soon as milk hits my esophagus' kind), so I was rather pissed to find out that they now put the yogurt in the kids meals, and you don't have the option to say 'No, I can't eat it.' When I asked for a substitution, they said they couldn't do that. When I told them to just not put it in the bag, they said they couldn't do that either. So I got home and threw a container of yogurt in the garbage, and hated myself for having to do so, because I hate wasting food.
McDonalds says on their website (and by the way, they REALLY need an email complaint system. It won't let me submit a damn thing without an American address) that they substitute apple slices, but EVERY time I ask them to do this, they say they can't. At least six times I've tried, and they won't let me.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 20, 2012 10:51 am EDT

Tasha9, I was coming home from work when I got lunch, and no one in my family, or circle of friends eat yogurt. A large number of them are also lactose-intolerant. It was either throw it out now, or throw it out in two weeks when it's expired. And you really think that the way I choose to voice my complaint on a complaints board is how I behave all the time? What would be the point of the site if everyone was cheery and friendly? People come here because they are dissatisfied in some way.

Descartes, my complaint is, indeed, that they gave me food I did not want, nor did I ask for, in fact, I specifically asked to NOT get it. It's a waste of food, is what it is.

Lucky you, Brewgoat. I'm okay with certain yogurts, but Danino, for whatever reason, is not one of them, which is funny, because I believe the brand of lactose-free yogurt I buy is actually produced by the same company that makes Danino.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 20, 2012 11:06 am EDT

Tasha, I'm in my twenties, and have behaved in a manner befitting an adult. I am dissatisfied with their service, and have thus come to this site to complain. That is the function of this place. I could have potentially found someone to eat the yogurt, I suppose, if I drove around my neighbourhood, asking strange kids if they wanted it, but that looks rather sketchy, don't you think? But whether I could have or not is not the point. The point is that McDonalds claims that they cater to people with dietary concerns, and in this instance, they did not.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 20, 2012 11:16 am EDT

For the record, I said IN my twenties, not twenty, but I digress. I enjoy McDonalds' food, and have never had any problems with their service, aside from yogurt-related grievances. It's not enough to stop me going there, but I posted this complaint in search of others who share similar experiences, in the hopes that, perhaps, I might find a more concrete solution for it.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 20, 2012 11:34 am EDT

I never said they tried to force-feed me yogurt, Descartes. Absurd comments like that get no one anywhere. My complaint is not against the yogurt itself, but against the breach of company policy to provide alternatives.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 20, 2012 11:39 am EDT

Their website claims the alternatives on several pages of their official site, Descartes. They're not made up.
"We are sensitive to dietary restrictions. A crew member would be happy to substitute yogurt for apple slices in any Happy Meal." is seen on no less than three pages in the Q&A section, and on their nutritional information page as well.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 20, 2012 11:49 am EDT

I don't know what sort of McDonalds you're visiting, Strunk, but where I live, the kids meals are smaller than the adults. They contain four nuggets, while the adult has six, and they include a smaller portion of fries. As I said, I have a small appetite, owing to a gastrointestinal disease, and some times can't even eat that much food.
My only issue, Strunk, is with the breach of company policy to accomodate dietary concerns. This a website specifically created to voice grievances. Why must I have an alternative source of frustration to post here? Is it not possible that I am merely a dissatisfied customer, choosing to voice this dissatisfaction in the only way possible?

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 20, 2012 12:11 pm EDT

Finding a direct link is a little more difficult, as most of the FAQ's come up as mere popups, but if you go here:
http://yourquestions.mcdonalds.ca/
And type 'lactose' or 'yogurt' in the comment bar, then click on one of the three comments I found, of people with similar problems to mine, then you will find the quote.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 20, 2012 12:18 pm EDT

I've only ever seen 4-piece meals offered in the kids meals, Brenda, but I'll take your word for it. Even with those sizes of nuggets, the adult meals still give me far more fries than I could ever eat. Until they started in with this yogurt without an option business, the Happy Meals were the perfect-sized option for me.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 20, 2012 12:31 pm EDT

Actually, DSGamby, my boyfriend just called their contact line, and he says they told him it is company policy to recognize and accomodate dietary concerns within the current means available. The representative said the employee was in the wrong for specifically telling me that I could not substitute, and apologized for any inconvenience.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 20, 2012 1:16 pm EDT

I trust a paid representative to know what is company policy and what is not, more than I trust some stranger on the internet.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 21, 2012 6:49 am EDT

Tasha, I would like you to provide me with an example of where I behave like a three-year-old. You are the one dragging this entire comment thread offtopic by choosing to insult me, personally, rather than focusing your attention on the topic at hand. Making absurd claims like this, as I said to Descartes, do nothing but make you look like you have no other argumentative skills than to be absurd, which is, in itself, rather childish.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 21, 2012 10:36 am EDT

Give me a suggestion for another meal the size of the McDonalds chicken nugget happy meal, then, without any yogurt. Because as far as I'm aware, no such meal exists in size and product similarities.
I am not blaming McDonalds as an entity, but this establishment, and the particular employee, for telling me specifically, that I could not substitute what is essentially an inedible product, for something I could eat. No one forced me to throw out the yogurt, and I never said that anyone forced me to do anything, but I was given no other option. And the proof I posted was right there on their websites.
And you still haven't given me specific examples of how I am behaving at the level of a toddler.
If I wrote 'WAHH MCDONALDS IS A BUNCH OF MEANIES' then, yes, I would accept such a criticism, but I've behaved in a manner befitting the adult that I am, and you have yet to give me specific, textual examples of incidents otherwise.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 21, 2012 11:19 am EDT

It is a small thing to worry about, I will concede that, Ducky, but it does bother me having to throw out food. Not to the point that I would call myself upset or anything, but it still bothers me.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 21, 2012 11:59 am EDT

I don't think they have the dollar menu in Canada, nor mini meals, as I've never seen them advertised. I'll ask next time I go in, though, and hopefully I'll find an employee better advised than the one who told me I could not substitute my yogurt. Also, it's not so much the purchasing price that I'm focused on, but the size of the portions, themselves.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 22, 2012 6:54 am EDT

Why don't you two take this off-topic chatter to the email system?

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 22, 2012 11:55 am EDT

Well, here's an alternative to messaging a stranger: Just leave this thread and ignore him. If Paul is asking sexually explicit material of you, then simply file a harassment claim with the website's providers.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 23, 2012 6:03 pm EDT

I've messaged the website provider regarding some inflammatory comments other users have made, Tasha, and the comments were removed. It even says in the rules that users harassing others, or asking sexually explicit material of them is not allowed. If you messaged them, and had proof of Paul's wrongdoing, then they would indeed do something.
For the record, I'm not accusing anyone of anything. Just offering an avenue to deal with problems people have claimed.
I really don't see why you guys don't just go to another site where you can troll each other, without taking away from the original intent of this website. Might I suggest 4chan?

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 24, 2012 6:23 pm EDT

So I've seen, DIRM.
Pasrof, I may be an adult, but I am not like most adults. I feel the need to reply when people address me and things I have said. Call me crazy.
For the record, though, the comments weren't ones on this thread, but on others I have seen, with people needlessly throwing around racist slurs and the like.
tasha, get some new material. The three-year-old bit is getting staler than your mother's ovaries.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 26, 2012 2:23 pm EDT

Izzy had to work- that's where she's been. Plus, there's not much else to say here. The discussion of this actual thread ended someone back on page 2. Maybe page 3 if you squint.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 27, 2012 11:17 pm EDT

You can look it up, Kevin Richards, they started putting yogurt in their happy meals in recent months. Apple slices, too, I guess, are available as a substitution for the small amount of fries they now give you.

Here. I was nice enough to even provide you with news articles about it.
http://www.canada.com/health/McDonald+adds+yogurt+Happy+Meals+cuts+back+fries/5161111/story.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2011/07/26/mcdonalds-canada-to-put-_n_909567.html

http://www.mcdonalds.ca/ca/en/menu/meal_bundles/happy_meal.html
The one on the official page even has a picture of the yogurt there, with the rest of the Happy Meal.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 28, 2012 9:02 pm EDT

And you mispelled his username. What's your point?

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 28, 2012 9:04 pm EDT

And I'm already in a committed relationship with a very nice young man, but thank you for playing Yenta for me, Tasha, all the same. I'm sure you're as wonderful at matchmaking as you are at rhetoric.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 29, 2012 3:20 pm EDT

"And bazzar has no clue how to spell"

His name has no R in it.

Show me how I have not behaved like an adult. Give me a specific example of dialogue between us or between any other person and I, wherein I have not behaved in a manner befitting an adult.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 29, 2012 6:23 pm EDT

You gave me examples of nothing, tasha. You've given me examples of things I have not said, or done, and the only instances of mine that you'd provided gave no indication that my age was any less than what I stated it was, and I challenge you to prove otherwise.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 30, 2012 2:45 pm EDT

I never once said that they forced me to do anything. Their actions caused me to enact an undesirable action of my own, but I never said that they forced me.
And at the time, McDonalds was the most convenient place to stop at. Traffic in my city is terrible right now, and the three possible routes I could take home are slowed down by construction. The McDonalds happens to be on the least terrible stretch, and thus, it was the quickest place to stop to get food. I thought extensively about other places I could have gone, and it proved the best option in the end. Of course, this was before I was aware of the non-optional yogurt. Knowing that, now, I will take that into consideration when choosing a restaurant again, of course.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 30, 2012 3:14 pm EDT

Who's arguing? I'm merely stating things. Arguments usually require both parties to be angry, and I can assure you that at least one is perfectly calm.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 31, 2012 2:46 pm EDT

Tasha, I had packed a healthy lunch, and a snack, and ate it already, because I worked for ten hours. Didn't really feel like cooking after that. You'll learn what that's like some day. Although you'll probably be on the other side of the counter from me. Well, at least now you know that your future employers can sub their yogurt with apples.

Update by Izzy M.
Aug 01, 2012 2:10 pm EDT

Tasha, perhaps you should take your own advice, regarding acting your age.

Ramelle, what, exactly, is wrong with my complaint, in your eyes? In what way is it ridiculous? McDonalds has certain policies regarding dietary restrictions, and in this instance, this employee disregarded those policies entirely. That is a legitimate complaint.

Update by Izzy M.
Aug 08, 2012 7:53 am EDT

Pam has a point, though. If people aren't here to discuss the complaint itself, why be here at all? There are much better places on the internet to chat, and even to troll. This is one of the lamest places to do either, really. I don't see how anyone finds this entertaining.

Update by Izzy M.
Aug 08, 2012 11:10 am EDT

Because it's my complaint?

Update by Izzy M.
Aug 08, 2012 12:30 pm EDT

I'm desperately clinging to the hope that maybe, just maybe, people will stray back on topic.

I'm not the one who's trolling here.

Update by Izzy M.
Aug 08, 2012 1:50 pm EDT

You tell me, Brenda. You tell me. At least 11 pages of spam. That's a whole lot of people straying back to a dead topic.

Update by Izzy M.
Aug 08, 2012 4:10 pm EDT

I'm aware, Brenda, but I have to wonder why they keep wandering back to this thread. There are a million other places they could communicate. Why here, of all places?

Update by Izzy M.
Aug 16, 2012 4:11 pm EDT

Jesus, you people really need to go outside once in a while; get some air, maybe. Feels like I'm back in high school, with all of the freshman hardcore wangstas.

Update by Izzy M.
Aug 16, 2012 7:42 pm EDT

This has nothing to do with anything. You people aren't even discussing anything anymore. You're just throwing metaphorical rocks, and it's ridiculous.

Update by Izzy M.
Aug 24, 2012 7:08 pm EDT

Two or three isn't that late at night, tasha. In fact, most people in their twenties shift into a more nocturnal stage, particularly those who end up staying up late to work on college papers and such. I still think nothing of staying up until 4, or 5 AM, working on my thesis. And everyone knows the best TV shows come on after 1.

The fact that you read Pam's posts, and, despite the obvious differences in grammar and formatting, still think we are one in the same- Holy hell that's just hilarious.

Update by Izzy M.
Sep 06, 2012 10:32 am EDT

Referring to me, Drenda, or someone else? I'm still here, checking back on my messages every so often, but I've seen nothing of interest to reply to, and so I haven't.

Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

138 comments
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DSgamby
Thunder Bay, CA
Jul 20, 2012 1:33 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

You obviously don't know about the Shaw debacle of the Shaw Friends program and Lifetime warranty.

They just said to get you off the phone and hopefully you are happy with the response.

Like I said before, no where on the Happy Meal or FAQ pages has that policy.

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DSgamby
Thunder Bay, CA
Jul 20, 2012 12:40 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

And you trust what McDonalds says over the phone?

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DSgamby
Thunder Bay, CA
Jul 20, 2012 12:22 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Thanks.

I found one. The direct link is http://yourquestions.mcdonalds.ca/questions/19

Just so you know, that is not a policy. If it was was policy, then, they would have posted that responds on the Happy Meal main page and on their FAQ pages. They did not.

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DSgamby
Thunder Bay, CA
Jul 20, 2012 12:05 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Izzy M.: Strunk is referring to the size of the food not the amount of food for the nuggets.

I was just looking at the McDonalds Canada site and have not found one page that says "We are sensitive to dietary restrictions. A crew member would be happy to substitute yogurt for apple slices in any Happy Meal."

Can you please post one direct link to the FAQ that says "We are sensitive to dietary restrictions. A crew member would be happy to substitute yogurt for apple slices in any Happy Meal."? Thanks

M3C QueenBee
M3C QueenBee
Defiance, US
Jul 20, 2012 11:48 am EDT

Strunk obviously has these issues, if she has to behave this badly.

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Ghost of DocJ
Salem, US
Jul 20, 2012 11:36 am EDT

They know that. They're just messin' with you.

The Lidman Foundation
The Lidman Foundation
Lewisville, US
Jul 20, 2012 11:30 am EDT

McDonalds has the best angus burgers.

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user 33
Sicamous, CA
Jul 20, 2012 11:04 am EDT

So then stop going there you dummy. Problem solved.

NeveragainAmazon
NeveragainAmazon
Sahuarita, US
Jul 20, 2012 10:41 am EDT

I agree with the last three comments. The first two are uncalled for.

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BeaverBoy
Mississauga, CA
Jul 20, 2012 10:39 am EDT

print out the part on their website about apple slices to show the next time they say they can't do that

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Ducky87
Portland, US
Jul 20, 2012 10:39 am EDT

Where I live, they allow that substitution all the time. It sounds like maybe you are going to a franchise that is mistaken on a rule. They certainly shouldn't have to throw the yogurt in your bag if you say you don't want it. I also think you are supposed to be able to request apples instead.

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Brewgoat
Greensboro, US
Jul 20, 2012 10:00 am EDT

I thought it was strange they did not ask before putting in the apples and yogurt. I guess they would rather take the heat and be accused of making kids healthy than unhealthy. I am lactose intolerant as well and have found yogurt to be one the only things I can eat without issue as they contain the active cultures that breakdown lactose.

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emmm
Appleton, WI , US
Dec 21, 2009 9:42 pm EST

DUH! It's freaking fast food. What did you expect? Make food at home.

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McEmployee23
, US
Sep 18, 2009 10:49 pm EDT

Facts, statements, testimonials?

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Anonymous
,
Sep 14, 2008 10:22 am EDT

Discrimination, because you have a tattoo, you must be Yakuza, sorry McDonalds doesn't hire Yakuza!

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Anonymous
,
Sep 14, 2008 7:37 am EDT

Complain to the food hygiene and standards agency and next time take the raw meat away in the box and pass it on to them, they will have a health inspector crawling all over the place within a week.

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Ange
,
May 03, 2008 10:57 pm EDT

Many companies are now enforcing a dress code with regard to peircings & tatoos. My company now only allows one piercing in each ear and no tatoos visible. I don't think that this is unreasonable. Companies have the right to decide what image they want to project for their company and if no tatoos is it then that is their right.

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zezima
,
Mar 29, 2008 11:01 pm EDT

what are you talking about? It's nuked.