McDonald's Food Allergy Information

McDonald’s makes information about its menu's potential food allergens available both online menu explorer and via nutritional pamphlets available at many locations. However, buyer beware: The online menu explorer lists all of the ingredients in each offering, but it's up to the consumer to decide if an allergen is present. In addition, McDonald's has stated that due to frequently changing recipes, this information may not be up to date or accurate at all times. Therefore, it is important to check with a McDonald's register attendant about whether the item you intend to order contains any particular allergen. However, keep in mind that the attendant may not always be aware of all the allergens that may be present in the food.

Avoiding Gluten

When it comes to gluten-free items, most people avoiding gluten are aware that any sandwich item served on a bun is a no-no. However, gluten lurks in some of McDonald's less obvious menu items as well. These include baked goods such as cookies and pies, french fries, sauces, and most chicken dishes.

McDonald's states, "We currently don’t offer a gluten-free menu. That said, we encourage customers with special dietary needs to check out our menu explorer where you can find full lists of ingredients. Because food sensitivities are so different from person to person, we also recommend you follow up with your physician to make your best health decision."

Avoiding Milk

If you have a milk allergy or otherwise intend to avoid milk, McDonald's can be a tricky place to dine. That's because trace amounts of milk may be present in unexpected dishes, such as fish fillets, sauces, nuts, scrambled eggs, and numerous coffee beverages.

Avoiding Eggs

Aside from the obvious breakfast menu items such as the Egg McMuffin and baked goods, many less obvious dishes contain egg. The least likely suspects include many sauces and salad dressings, hotcakes, and some milkshakes.

Avoiding Nuts

Most people with a peanut allergy are concerned about frying oil. McDonald's says it uses a canola oil blend for deep frying. However, those with peanut or tree nut allergies should be aware that McDonald's Canada in early 2017 announced it will introduce menu items such as the Skor McFlurry that contain nuts not sealed in individual plastic packets. “All products available at our restaurants may contain or come into contact with peanuts, tree nuts or other allergens,” McDonald's said in a statement.

Customer Service Contacts

Use the online contact form for specific questions about allergens.

McDonald's Allergy Disclaimer

McDonald's publicizes the following disclaimer about eating at any of its locations if you have a food allergy:

"At McDonald's, we take great care to serve quality, great-tasting menu items to our customers each and every time they visit our restaurants. We understand that each of our customers has individual needs and considerations when choosing a place to eat or drink outside their home, especially those customers with food allergies. As part of our commitment to you, we provide the most current ingredient information available from our food suppliers for the eight most common allergens as identified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (eggs, dairy, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish), so that our guests with food allergies can make informed food selections. However, we also want you to know that despite taking precautions, normal kitchen operations may involve some shared cooking and preparation areas, equipment and utensils, and the possibility exists for your food items to come in contact with other food products, including allergens. We encourage our customers with food allergies or special dietary needs to visit www.mcdonalds.com for ingredient information and to consult their doctor for questions regarding their diet. Due to the individualized nature of food allergies and food sensitivities, customers' physicians may be best positioned to make recommendations for customers with food allergies and special dietary needs. If you have questions about our food, please reach out to us directly at www.mcdonalds.com/contact or 1-800-244-6227."