Pregnant woman says McDonald’s worker refused to sell her tartar sauce

Photo by@sarinapinacolada/Tiktok Elizabeth Iris/Shutterstock

When a pregnancy craving hits, you’re better off doing everything in your power to satiate that person’s urge. Their body is growing a whole human, after all.

Craving food during pregnancy is common. Many individuals have desires for typical foods such as fruits, chocolates, and potato chips. However, some experience more adventurous tastes, ranging from pickles with cheese to tuna and peanut butter to spicy Cheetos and yogurt.

Sarina Marie, who is expecting, had a strong desire for McDonald's double feature—their famous fries topped with a unique tartar sauce. However, she was taken aback when the employees declined to fulfill her request.

She says the workers claimed it was “for her health.”

“Since when does McDonald’s give a flying [expletive] about anybody’s health?” she questions.

What is tartar sauce?

Tartar sauce is a popular topping for seafood items such as fish sandwiches and calamari. Although it may seem sophisticated, it's essentially just a fancier version of mayonnaise. Typically, tartar sauce is made from a mix of finely diced pickles, relish, capers, lemons, mustard, and various herbs.

Sarina Marie mentioned that she had been contemplating this combination throughout the morning. She specifically chose to visit her local Mickey D’s after the breakfast menu was updated. When she ordered, she recalls the employee on the speaker mentioning that they were out of tartar sauce and couldn't offer any further explanation.

Considering the employee might be inexperienced and still getting the hang of things, Sarina Marie decided to ask the person at the pickup window for the sauce. However, she recalls that the employee called over the manager, who declined her request for the condiment.

“This [expletive] told me that she can’t give me tartar sauce because she cares about my health,” Sarina Marie recounted.

“‘Are you stupid? Do you think I’d be at McDonald’s drive-thru right now if I cared about my [expletive] health?’” Sarina Marie says she replied. (Though she says she regrets calling the woman stupid.)

She kept declining her offer, she claims. However, Sarina Marie mentions that she ended up with ketchup and a BBQ sauce she wasn't even requesting.

“I have never been denied tartar sauce at any McDonald’s except this occasion. I did not let them know I was pregnant until I was denied three times and then decided to use the ‘I’m pregnant and I’m craving it’ card thinking she would give in to my craving lol. And there is no recall on tartar sauce like everyone is claiming,” Sarina Marie told the Daily Dot via a WhatsApp message. (She’s right, there’s no news of a McDonald’s tartar sauce recall.)

Are pregnant individuals allowed to eat tartar sauce?

Although there are a few extra safety measures (we couldn't resist) that pregnant individuals should follow regarding eggs—primarily, consuming eggs that are fully cooked and pasteurized, and steering clear of raw or undercooked eggs found in Caesar salad dressings, eggnog, raw cookie dough, mousse, and tiramisu—they are not entirely forbidden.

In reality, the Food and Drug Administration confirms that store-bought mayonnaise, dressings, and sauces are made with pasteurized eggs that are safe for consumption. This includes McDonald’s pre-packaged tartar sauce.

Wildly enough, McDonald’s does have a Q&A specifically addressing if pregnant people can eat their tartar sauce. This is its response:

“We advise all pregnant women to discuss any queries about what to eat during their pregnancy with their GP or midwife as advice will depend greatly on the individual. However we can confirm that our mayonnaise and tartare sauce are made with pasteurized free-range egg,” the answer stated.

Viewers weigh in

Commenters shared numerous opinions on the topic.

“Next time, order a filet o fish, hold the fish hold the bun, hold the cheese. Extra tartar sauce,” a commenter wrote.

“Also how could mayo and pickles be any worse than a deep-fried salted potato?” a person pointed out.

“Complain to corporate. That manager lied, they don't want to give the sauce on the side,” another suggested.

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