17 Restaurants Exposed for Serving Subpar Meat
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A report from Straits Research indicates that approximately 50% of the global population depends on meat to meet their daily protein requirements. As a result, the demand for ready-to-eat meat products is rapidly increasing. The market for various flavored ready-to-eat meats is projected to reach 98.8 billion by 2028.
What’s really in the meat you’re eating when dining out? As fast-food chains and casual dining restaurants dominate the culinary landscape, many consumers assume their meals meet basic quality standards.
But what happens when those assumptions are wrong? Many popular establishments have faced serious allegations about their meat’s quality, sourcing, and safety. Read on for 17 restaurants exposed to serving subpar meat.
Chipotle
Chipotle has been involved in several food poisonings related to its meats caused by E. coli and norovirus. The infections led to the temporary closure of the company’s food chains for mass illness. The CDC investigated these outbreaks in 2015 and found they originated from contaminated meat supplies.
The company had promised better safety measures, but Chipotle struggled to win back consumers. The chain has since instituted new food safety measures, but some questions remain.
Subway
Subway has been implicated in scandals over selling meat substitutes instead of chicken. A 2017 investigation by CBC Marketplace found that less than 50% of the DNA in Subway chicken is actual chicken. The results outraged the public and sparked lawsuits, with Subway completely denying the claims.
It was also said that the customers who looked for healthy, high-protein meals were misled deliberately. The company could not clear off these allegations; therefore, this incident finally hurts the reputation of the subway among fast-food chains.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s has been relentlessly attacked over the quality of its beef and chicken. Business Insider mounted inquiries into a process called mechanically separated meat, which includes scraps and connective tissue.
Consumer advocacy groups have also attacked McDonald’s products’ nutritional value, citing high fat and sodium levels. To improve, McDonald’s has begun sourcing antibiotic-free chicken and introduced fresh beef patties in some locations.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell went through several lawsuits regarding the fact that the beef mixture in its tacos contained less than 35% actual beef. The plaintiffs argued that the way the chain advertised the product was misleading as it did not reflect what was in the box.
Taco Bell countered the accusation by saying that their product met the standards of the USDA, and the texture included seasonings and fillers. The lawsuits were eventually dropped, but some questions about ingredient transparency remain.
KFC
KFC has received immense criticism in chicken sourcing and animal treatment from within its value chain. Reports from numerous animal welfare organizations, including PETA, have unraveled chickens’ poor living conditions and unethical farming practices.
KFC uses factory farms, which are notorious for their poor and unhealthy living conditions and overcrowding of chickens. Besides, it said the company was working toward better animal welfare standards, but the progress had been painfully slow.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s also has its share of controversy regarding the quality of its beef and chicken. Reports from The Guardian outlined problems with the freshness and consistency of its meat products. Though Wendy’s sells itself as a “fresh, never frozen” brand, critics say supply chain issues affect product quality.
Concerns over antibiotics and additives in its meat have also cropped up. The company promised to reduce antibiotic use in its livestock, which health advocates applauded.
Sizzler
Sizzlers always faced criticism for lousy meat on their reasonably priced meals. While that might be attractive to diners with tight budgets, there’s a trade-off nutritionally and with taste.
It has also tried rebranding itself with premium choices; however, the verdict about the food chain from people remains divided.
Outback Steakhouse
Outback Steakhouse has been criticized for selling cuts of meat that are far from what they advertise. According to The Daily Meal, customers have complained about the restaurant’s tough and flavorless steaks.
Critics say the chain’s mass production methods compromise the food. While the restaurant is synonymous with hearty Australian-inspired cuisine, its dishes need to improve with consistency.
Red Lobster
Red Lobster has been accused of serving frozen seafood despite its fresh marketing. Reports from HuffPost indicate that some menu items may need to meet consumer expectations for freshness, especially in regions far from coastal supply lines.
These are damaging allegations for a brand that touts its ties to the sea. Red Lobster has defended its sourcing practices, saying freezing preserves quality and safety.
Applebee’s
Applebee’s has been criticized lately for the quality of their meat, with reports by Mashed showing a discrepancy in taste and texture. Some customers have complained about how some ingredients in signature dishes like steaks and burgers were over-processed.
These issues reflect the greater challenges casual dining chains face to meet modern consumers’ expectations. In response, Applebee’s has introduced new menu items, but skepticism remains.
Denny’s
As You Sow reported, Denny’s stopped purchasing chicken treated with medically necessary antibiotics for U.S. restaurants. Customers also show dissatisfaction with the taste and quality of food dishes that include meat.
These underpin some concerns around better, healthier, and well-sourced ingredients. While Denny’s has announced plans to address some of these issues, public accountability will be required to restore trust.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings has also been criticized regarding its chicken procurement practices. Forbes quoted issues on factory farming methods and poultry treatment, saying that Buffalo Wild Wings compromised flavor and quality by depending on bulk chicken supplies.
Though Buffalo Wild Wings promotes its sauces and customization options, it cannot forget the underlying chicken quality.
Panda Express
According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index, Panda Express ranked among the lowest-scoring fast-food restaurants for customer satisfaction in America in 2021. The company was rated 77 out of 100 in 2024.
Most complaints were about the quality and consistency of its meat, which has been overcooked or improperly seasoned in some dishes. For a brand synonymous with quick-service Asian cuisine, this just doesn’t cut it. Improvement might lie in better employee training or more stringent controls over supplies.
Pizza Hut
There are also complaints concerning Pizza Hut’s meat toppings. According to reports from Global Times, among other sources, pepperoni and sausage are almost always not fresh.
This makes people enjoy pizza less, which may drive away some of the company’s loyal customers. Pizza Hut tried introducing better-quality ingredients, but the implementation needed more consistency.
Domino’s
Domino’s has also been at the center of complaints regarding low-quality meat on its pizzas. QSR Media Australia reported that some toppings were high in fillers and artificial ingredients. These findings have led to calls for Domino’s to be more transparent about its ingredients.
“We now have plans to be as equally proud of our entire menu and what it boils down to is if you can’t pronounce it, it shouldn’t be in the food – it’s all about simplifying the ingredients.” Group CEO and Managing Director Don Meij said.
Carl’s Jr.
Carl’s Jr. – low-grade beef in burgers: NBC News reported that meat at the chain often failed to meet standards for premium quality. The fact that this occurred discredits Carl Jr.’s image since it has branded itself as an indulgent fast food company.
In response, Carl’s Jr. introduced grass-fed beef at their restaurants but has only implemented this in specific locations.
Jack in the Box
According to the Association of Health Care Journalists, decades after fast food chain Jack in the Box served undercooked hamburgers, sickening 700 people and killing four children.
Its history of undercooked meat-related foodborne illness outbreaks seems to haven’t passed with time. They are modernizing their menu, but the doubts about quality persist.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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