Serious Eats’ Kenji Lopez-Alt says McDonald’s burgers don’t rot for the same reason saltine crackers, beef jerky, dried beans, or other shelf-stable foods that we consume stay edible: they’re all dried out. He explains that because the patties are small and thin, they have a high surface area but are low in volume.
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Why do fast food burgers not mold?
Serious Eats’ Kenji Lopez-Alt says McDonald’s burgers don’t rot for the same reason saltine crackers, beef jerky, dried beans, or other shelf-stable foods that we consume stay edible: they’re all dried out. He explains that because the patties are small and thin, they have a high surface area but are low in volume.

Why do McDonald’s burgers not mold?
It all comes down to water activity. See, a McDonald’s hamburger is small and thin, giving it a very high ratio of surface area to volume. It is cooked well-done on a very hot griddle. These factors contribute to rapid moisture loss, resulting in a burger that dries out long before it can start to rot.
How long does it take for fast food burgers to mold?
In reality, all burgers should look unpleasant and unable to be stomached after a month because it is a natural process of decomposition. All of the fast food burgers, minus one, were covered in mold after 30 days.
Does McDonald’s food really not decompose?
In the right environment, our burgers, like most other foods, could decompose. But, in order to decompose, you need certain conditions – specifically moisture.

How long can MCD burger last?
Four days, if refrigerated. Two hours, if unrefrigerated. Yes, you can refrigerate or freeze left over hamburgers.
Does McDonald’s use preservatives?
That’s right – the buns, cheese, patties and other ingredients that make up our classic burgers have no artificial preservatives, artificial flavors or added colors from artificial sources.
How long does it take for McDonald’s fries to decompose?
A McDonald’s burger and fries remain mold-free after 6 years 30, anthropologist Hjörtur Smárason stopped by the fast food chain just before it closed its doors for one last meal.
Do burger King burgers decompose?
“In the right environment, our burgers, like most other foods, could decompose,” the company wrote in a 2013 statement called ‘Response to Myth that McDonald’s Burgers Don’t Decompose. ‘ “But, in order to decompose, you need certain conditions—specifically moisture.
How long does it take for a burger to decompose?
After 30 days, your food should decompose and look absolutely disgusting, right? That would indicate that the food is natural, and doesn’t contain all types of powerful additives, right? Watch what happens to the fast-food burgers in the video above.
What preservatives are in McDonald’s burgers?
Our patties contain no preservatives or fillers, and the only thing we ever add is a touch of salt and pepper when the patties are sizzling hot on the grill.