Fast food fight in Britain
TEXT OF INTERVIEW
SCOTT JAGOW: This week, Prince Charles suggested that perhaps McDonald’s should be banned. He denies saying this, but several people overheard the remark at a nutrition center. And it has prompted a food fight of sorts in Britain. Our London correspondent Stephen Beard is with us. Stephen, what’s been the response?
STEPHEN BEARD: McDonald’s has an unlikely champion. You don’t expect a Cordon Bleu chef and exclusive restaurateur to endorse McDonald’s but that is indeed what has happened. Marco Pierre White, the first chef in Britain to win three Michelin stars no less, says that he admires the fast food chain. He says Prince Charles was foolish and wrong to criticize the company. He says their eggs are free range, their beef comes from Ireland and they offer excellent value for money.
JAGOW: Well does he eat there?
BEARD: Not every day, but he says actually that the value for money is the key and the fact that you do get a consistent product. He says he’s often been in a restaurant and bought a main course for more than $30 and wished he’d got a Big Mac instead, feeling that he’d been ripped off somewhat.
JAGOW: How has McDonald’s responded to all this?
BEARD: McDonald’s were grievously upset by Prince Charles’ reported remarks. However, they’re overjoyed by what Marco Pierre White has now said. A spokesman said it’s good that he is so well informed, he’s expressed an opinion based on fact.
JAGOW: OK I guess we’ll just leave it there. Our European correspondent Stephen Beard, thank you.
BEARD: OK thanks Scott.
JAGOW: By the way, a McDonald’s executive said yesterday the restaurant may soon add smoothies, iced coffee and lattes to the menu.
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