McDonald's French Fries and Search Engines

The important part of this article is that internet search engines immediately disparage the person speaking about the chemical indicated and also attempt to calm worries by stating the chemical has been banned since 2009.

Methamidophos

In fact the person was talking in generalities and using the chemical as an example.

The ban is voluntary and is not applied around the world. The chemical is used in other nations to treat fresh fruits and vegetables imported to the United States.

This article is about a video that has been making the rounds on TikTok. The video is by Michael Pollan and he talks about a seriously dangerous toxic pesticide that was used to grow potatoes in Idaho in such a way that McDonald's would pay premium prices for them. The type of potato is the Red Russet. It is prized by McDonald's because they can be cut quickly and cheaply and will allow them to be inserted into the fry pack in such a way that they seem to rising up like a golden fountain of French fry deliciousness.

Here is a link to one copy of the video :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbZBJT358_Y

Searches for information on the pesticide used on McDonald's potato purchases or McDonald's aphids and such on internet search engines like Chrome and Edge the first things that arise are that the video is false. They take pains to point out that the particular pesticide being discussed was banned for use in the United States in 2009 and Mr. Pollan made his video in 2014.

The point of Mr. Pollan's talk, however, was to point out that the desire for a certain type of chip (French fry) created a certain type of agriculture. That particular type of agriculture moved towards the use of methamidophos that was capable of killing the aphids that caused little brown lines in potatoes that McDonald's did not want to appear in their French fries.

Now methamidophos is still manufactured by these companies :

• Bayer Corporation: Patented methamidophos in 1965?
• Chevron Chemical Corporation: Patented methamidophos in 1967?
• Sigma-Aldrich Production GmbH: Manufactures a certified reference material of methamidophos?

Methamidophos is primarily manufactured in 2024 in the People's Republic of China, India and Taiwan.

It is used on Peppers, Strawberries and Squash, at least, that are imported to the United States from other countries.

In Europe it is used on pome fruit, stone fruit, tomato, flowering brassica, head cabbage, cotton seed, soybean, potato, cereals, sugar/fodder beet, and tobacco.

Now - if you are still with me - methamidophos is banned by agreement in the United States but used in other countries on food products imported to the United States.

Acetate, in most cases, has replaced the use of methamidophos on most food, fiber and other crops in the United States.

When insects eat acephate it changes into methamidophos in their bodies.

Also -

Acephate, an organophosphate insecticide, undergoes microbial degradation in the environment, particularly in the presence of oxygen. This process involves the action of specific enzymes produced by microorganisms. nbsp; Heres a simplified breakdown of the process: Microbial Action: Microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, in the soil and water can metabolize acephate. nbsp; Enzyme-Catalyzed Reaction: Enzymes produced by these microorganisms, like phosphotriesterase, catalyze the hydrolysis of acephate. nbsp; Formation of Methamidophos: This enzymatic hydrolysis process results in the formation of methamidophos as an intermediate product. Further Degradation: Methamidophos itself can be further degraded by other microorganisms into less toxic compounds, eventually leading to its complete mineralization. Its important to note: Methamidophos is more toxic than acephate: While methamidophos is a breakdown product, it is more toxic to aquatic organisms and some mammals compared to its parent compound, acephate. nbsp; Environmental Factors: The rate of degradation of acephate and methamidophos can be influenced by various environmental factors such as soil type, temperature, moisture content, and microbial population. nbsp; Understanding the breakdown pathway of acephate is crucial for assessing its environmental impact and developing strategies for its safe and effective use.

After all that we come to this - following is a list of chemicals and at least one bacterium mixture that is used to combat aphids and other insects that could trouble Red Russet potatoes so much that McDonald's might refuse to buy or accept them.

Disclaimer: This information is intended for general knowledge and safety purposes only. Always refer to the specific product label for detailed handling instructions and safety precautions. It's crucial to follow the guidelines provided on the label to minimize risks to human health and the environment.

General Handling Instructions:

• Read and follow label instructions carefully: This includes application rates, timing, and precautions.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE): This includes gloves, a respirator, a face shield or goggles, and protective clothing.
• Avoid skin contact: These chemicals can be absorbed through the skin.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling pesticides.
• Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling.
• Store in a cool, dry, and secure location away from children and pets.
• Dispose of empty containers properly.

Specific Considerations for Each Chemical:

Highly Toxic to Bees:

• Clothianidin
• Imidacloprid
• Sulfoxaflor
• Thiamethoxam

Other Important Considerations:

1,3-Dichloropropene:

• Highly toxic and can contaminate groundwater.
• Handle in well-ventilated areas.
• Avoid skin contact and inhalation.

Abamectin:

• Toxic to aquatic organisms.
• Avoid drift to water bodies.

Acetamiprid:

• Toxic to bees and other beneficial insects.
• Avoid drift to water bodies.

Azadirachtin:

• Generally considered less toxic to humans and the environment than synthetic insecticides.
• Still, follow label instructions and avoid skin contact and inhalation.

Bifenazate:

• May cause skin and eye irritation.
• Avoid contact with eyes and skin.

Bifenthrin:

• Toxic to aquatic organisms.
• Avoid drift to water bodies.

Chromobacterium subtsugae:

• A biological control agent, generally considered safe.
• Follow label instructions for application and handling.

Carbaryl:

• Toxic to bees and other beneficial insects.
• Avoid drift to water bodies.

Chloropicrin:

• Highly toxic and can cause severe respiratory irritation.
• Handle in well-ventilated areas.
• Avoid skin contact and inhalation.

Cyfluthrin:

• Toxic to aquatic organisms.
• Avoid drift to water bodies.

Chlorantraniliprole:

• Relatively low toxicity to mammals, but can be harmful to aquatic organisms.
• Avoid drift to water bodies.

Dimethoate:

• Highly toxic and can cause cholinergic poisoning.
• Avoid skin contact and inhalation.

Esfenvalerate:

• Toxic to aquatic organisms.
• Avoid drift to water bodies.

Ethoprop:

• Toxic to aquatic organisms and can contaminate groundwater.
• Avoid drift to water bodies.

Fenpyroximate:

• Toxic to aquatic organisms.
• Avoid drift to water bodies.

Fipronil:

• Toxic to bees and other beneficial insects.
• Avoid drift to water bodies.

Flonicamid:

• May cause skin and eye irritation.
• Avoid contact with eyes and skin.

Flupyradifurone:

• May cause skin and eye irritation.
• Avoid contact with eyes and skin.

Sivanto:

• May cause skin and eye irritation.
• Avoid contact with eyes and skin.

Indoxacarb:

• Toxic to bees and other beneficial insects.
• Avoid drift to water bodies.

Lambda Cyhalothrin:

• Toxic to aquatic organisms.
• Avoid drift to water bodies.

Malathion:

• Toxic to bees and other beneficial insects.
• Avoid drift to water bodies.

Metam Potassium and Metam Sodium:

• Highly toxic and can cause severe skin and eye irritation.
• Handle in well-ventilated areas.
• Avoid skin contact and inhalation.

Methomyl:

• Highly toxic and can cause severe cholinergic poisoning.
• Avoid skin contact and inhalation.

Novaluron:

• Generally considered less toxic to humans and the environment.
• Still, follow label instructions and avoid skin contact and inhalation.

Oxamyl:

• Highly toxic and can cause severe cholinergic poisoning.
• Avoid skin contact and inhalation.

Permethrin:

• May cause skin and eye irritation.
• Avoid contact with eyes and skin.

Phorate:

• Highly toxic and can be absorbed through the skin.
• Avoid skin contact and inhalation.

Phosmet:

• Highly toxic and can cause severe skin and eye irritation.
• Avoid contact with eyes and skin.

Propargite:

• May cause skin and eye irritation.
• Avoid contact with eyes and skin.

Pymetrozine:

• May cause skin and eye irritation.
• Avoid contact with eyes and skin.

Renaxyapyr:

• May cause skin and eye irritation.
• Avoid contact with eyes and skin.

Afidopyropen:

• May cause skin and eye irritation.
• Avoid contact with eyes and skin.

Spinetoram:

• Generally considered less toxic to humans and the environment.
• Still, follow label instructions and avoid skin contact and inhalation.

Spinosad:

• Generally considered less toxic to humans and the environment.
• Still, follow label instructions and avoid skin contact and inhalation.

Spiromesifen:

• May cause skin and eye irritation.
• Avoid contact with eyes and skin.

Spirotetramat:

• May cause skin and eye irritation.
• Avoid contact with eyes and skin.

Sulfoxaflor:

• Toxic to bees and other beneficial insects.
• Avoid drift to water bodies.

Sulfur:

• Generally considered less toxic to humans and the environment.
• Still, follow label instructions and avoid inhalation of dust.

Thiamethoxam:

• Highly toxic to bees and other beneficial insects.
• Avoid drift to water bodies.

Tolfenpyrad:

• May cause skin and eye irritation.
• Avoid contact with eyes and skin.

Zeta Cypermethrin:

• Toxic to aquatic organisms.
• Avoid drift to water bodies.

Remember: Always prioritize safety when handling these chemicals. If you have any concerns or questions, consult with a qualified professional or refer to the specific product label for detailed instructions.