McDonald’s Australia announces change to favourite product

One of Australia’s biggest fast food chains has made an “unbelievable” change to one of its items.

One of Australia’s biggest fast food chains has made an “unbelievable” change to one of its items.

Macca’s confirmed to news.com.au there was a “temporary change” to its orange juice blend. The Keri Orange Juice previously had no allergy statements. But, from November 27, it has been changed to include the allergens gluten, wheat and soy.

“McDonald’s Australia has advised Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia of a temporary change to our Orange Juice blend nationwide from Wednesday November 27, which will contain allergens including gluten, wheat and soy,” a Macca’s spokesperson told news.com.au.

Macca's has updated the allergen statement on its orange juice. Picture: Reddit

We always encourage customers to check the ingredient and nutrition information on all menu items, which can be can be found on our website.”

News.com.au understands the change has come due to a switch up at the manufacturer.

Coeliac Australia said despite the allergen, the drink is safe for those on a gluten-free diet.

However, many are unhappy about the change.

Kati Keksi, who posts about gluten free products in Australia, was outraged by the update.

Pretty unbelievable change at Maccas – the orange juice will contain wheat and soy,” she said.

“It notes in the post that McDonald’s are working to provide a product without allergens.

“So, hopefully this change is short lived, and we’ll go back to allergen free juice.”

Christopher Tsalikis, who goes by Melbourne Coeliac online, also called out the fast food chain for the switch up.

“I’m calling you out and I’m not happy. What in the genetically modified of orange juices are you guys doing?” Mr Tsalikis asked.

He asked if the restaurant was going to start adding gluten to their water.

It’s not the first time Mr Tsalikis has put the spotlight on Macca’s and its lack of gluten-free offerings in Australia compared to other parts of the country.

Macca’s are working towards a resolution. Picture: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Earlier this month the coeliac took to social media to beg McDonald’s Australia introduce the gluten-free cheeseburger, which is sold in Italy.

Coeliac disease is an auto-immune condition where the body cannot break down gluten, which is found in wheat, rye and barley. One in 75 Australians suffer from the condition and four out of five are undiagnosed.

If left unchecked it can lead to serious conditions such as bowel cancer and osteoporosis.

It means that items such as burgers are usually off the menu for coeliacs, particularly in a kitchen where cross contamination is a risk.

“This is an untapped market and we desperately need options that are coeliac safe,” Mr Tsalikis said.

“If Europe can do it, then do it here.”

Italy isn’t the only place where there are gluten free burgers. Spain has had gluten free Big Macs. Portugal has six burgers that can have gluten-free buns added to them. Sweden, Switzerland and Finland also have options on offer.