The McDonalds French Fries are an example of food fraud because the advertisement does not portray the true nutritional value of this product. One popular advertisement for this product is a picture of a raw potato labeled “the potato” beside a pack of fries labeled “perfected”. This advertisement gives the impression that these fries are healthy and fresh, as it is inferred that they are pure potato. It also assumes that it is even better than a regular, unseasoned potato. Nowhere does it mention that the “perfection” has added 19 grams of fat, and 266 milligrams of sodium. In addition, placing a raw potato beside the processed French Fries sways consumers to believe that they are natural. The simplicity of the red packaging with no ingredients present lacks information for the consumer that could sway their consumption choices. Since there are no ingredients on the packaging itself, it is deceiving consumers as information is not readily available to them in order to assess this product. The image on the advertisement renders this product an example of food fraud as it deceives consumers in accurately analyzing what they are consuming.

In the advertisement for McDonald’s French Fries, the use of short, simple words and misleading connotations are used as persuasive devices that deceive consumers. The advertisement does not include more than two words, justifying its absence of ingredients that should be present on the fries’ packaging. The simple red background enables the white letters on the page to stand out and overpower. The bolded and contrasted word “perfected” attracts attention in this advertisement, which concludes that these fries have all the required elements and qualities, with no defects or faults. This is misrepresentative, as the sodium, fat and caloric content of this product far exceeds perfection. McDonald’s is attempting to portray these fries as a better alternative to a simple potato, with its simple, yet exaggerated word selection. This advertisement is bright, bold and portrays a clear exaggeration of the transformation from potato to French Fry. Ultimately, McDonald’s French Fries are advertised and packaged in a way to mislead consumers through using exaggerated devices and tactics in their advertising practice.