Lack of transparency in fast food restaurants: "European regulations are completely obsolete," says UFC-Que Choisir

There is a "potential" danger to consumers. UFC-Que Choisir published a survey this Wednesday on burgers sold by the four main fast-food chains: McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, and Quick.

The consumer association criticizes them for a lack of information regarding their recipes. "When we go to a fast-food restaurant, we want to know the same things as in a supermarket: the list of ingredients, the nutritional quality. 30% of burgers have a Nutri-Score D, 70% at KFC, we also want to know the allergens," explains Olivier Andrault, food officer at UFC-Que Choisir, on RMC .

"We realize that there is still a lot to do in terms of transparency," argues Olivier Andrault.

A fast-food customer, Vincent admits he doesn't know what's in what he eats. "We don't know what's in it. It's mass-produced, there's nothing natural or handmade," he says.

Olivier Andrault, food officer at UFC-Que Choisir, considers it "logical" that consumers have access to "clear information" because "these chains represent one in two meals consumed outside the home."

At Burger King and Quick, the Nutri-score isn't displayed. It's not mandatory. "I think the Nutri-score wouldn't be great, and as long as they're not required to do it, they won't," thinks Virginie, who once worked at one of them. "I don't think it's in their best interest, because they won't sell half of their products anymore," Vincent says.

Fast food chains are also not required to list all ingredients. "We have completely obsolete European regulations, drawn up in the 1970s," Olivier Andrault laments on Apolline Matin .

This is one of the demands of the consumer association, which is calling for a modernization of European regulations and is asking European authorities to define the precise display procedures for restaurant chains. "UFC-Que Choisir's first request is that the Nutri-Score be included on the general menu, so as to provide consumers with a comprehensive overview," says Olivier Andrault.

According to the UFC-Que Choisir food officer, this will be "useful information for consumers to better balance their diet." "It's also an incentive for these large chains to improve their products in terms of nutritional quality," he concludes.