Thu Sep 12 01:00:18 UTC 2024: ## McDonald’s Launches ‘Multi-Millet’ Burger Bun: Nutritionists Raise Concerns

**Mumbai, India** – McDonald’s has introduced a new “multi-millet” burger bun in southern and western India, claiming it offers “extra goodness” due to the inclusion of millet grains. However, nutritionists have criticized the move, arguing that it could mislead consumers and express concern over the partnership between the fast-food giant and a leading public research institute.

The new bun, co-developed with the Central Food Technology Research Institute (CFTRI), contains 22% millet flour, including jowar, bajra, ragi, proso, and kodo. While millets are indeed more nutritious than refined cereals, being gluten-free, fibre-rich, and having a low glycaemic index, nutritionists argue that the overall composition of the burger bun remains highly processed and contains additives and preservatives.

“Marketing this product as ‘Real Food-Real Good’ and using a celebrity chef to endorse it is misleading,” states Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest, a think tank on public health and nutrition. The organization also objects to CFTRI’s collaboration with McDonald’s, stating it contradicts public health goals.

The concerns stem from the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension in India, largely attributed to the consumption of ultra-processed foods. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines ultra-processed foods as those that undergo extensive industrial processing, often resulting in high sugar, salt, and fat content, while lacking essential nutrients.

The 2024 Dietary Guidelines from India’s National Institute of Nutrition explicitly warn against enriching or fortifying ultra-processed foods, emphasizing that it does not make them healthy. The guidelines advise consumers to prioritize fresh foods, quality protein, and mindful consumption of packaged food, carefully examining nutrition labels for potential misleading claims.

McDonald’s has not yet responded to queries regarding the new bun and its nutritional claims. The company’s decision to partner with a public research institution to promote a product that falls under the category of ultra-processed foods has sparked debate surrounding the role of such institutions in promoting public health initiatives.

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