The ongoing humor about McDonald’s ice cream machines being constantly out of order is turning into a serious issue. It has been a persistent problem for more than twenty years now, raising concerns about the reliability and maintenance of these machines. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has now initiated an investigation to uncover the reasons behind these repeated failures.
Recent reports from the Wall Street Journal reveal that the FTC has been reaching out to McDonald’s franchisees across the country to gather information on the ice cream machine malfunctions. It appears that the specific model of ice cream machine used by all McDonald’s outlets requires a nightly self-cleaning process involving heat for sanitation. These cleaning cycles frequently break down and can only be serviced by technicians with specialized training, while franchisees are not permitted to handle maintenance themselves.
The constant breakdowns have caused significant financial strain on franchisees, as they are required to cover the expensive costs of bringing in licensed technicians from the machine’s manufacturing company for repairs.
Curious about the frequent out-of-service McFlurry machines at McDonald’s? You’re not alone. The FTC is also investigating why the fast food giant’s ice cream machines are consistently dysfunctional. https://t.co/wEUArW69mh
— The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) September 2, 2021
In response, McDonald’s has acknowledged the frustration experienced by both customers and franchisees and is reportedly exploring ways to address the issue, including revising training programs and increasing maintenance checks. However, they deny being the subject of a formal FTC investigation.
“Our commitment to upholding high standards of food quality and safety remains paramount, and we are actively seeking solutions to ensure reliable and safe operations,” the company stated.