The common ingredient between McNuggets and Silly Putty: Dimethylpolysiloxane

CNN investigated the ingredients of McDonald’s chicken McNuggets and discovered Dimethylpolysiloxane, an “anti-foaming agent” used as a matter of safety to keep the oil from foaming. The chemical is a form of silicone also used in cosmetics and Silly Putty.  CNN’s review of animal studies by The World Health Organization found no adverse health effects associated with dimethylpolysiloxane.

The discovery of this common ingredient is actually the lesser of two PR problems McDonald’s will have as a result of the CNN investigation. It seems that McNuggets delivered at U.S. fast food shops contain more calories and fat than McNuggets sold in the U.K.

From CNN:

American McNuggets (190 calories, 12 grams of fat, 2 grams of saturated fat for 4 pieces) contain the chemical preservative tBHQ, tertiary butylhydroquinone, a petroleum-based product. They also contain dimethylpolysiloxane, “an anti-foaming agent” also used in Silly Putty.

By contrast, British McNuggets (170 calories, 9 grams of fat, 1 gram of saturated fat for 4 pieces) lists neither chemical among its ingredients.

McDonald’s says the differences are based on the local tastes: In the United States, McNuggets are coated and then cooked, in the United Kingdom, they are cooked and then coated. As a result, the British McNuggets absorb less oil and have less fat.