when did mcdonald's stop using beef tallow

McDonald's stopped using beef tallow to cook their french fries in July 1990. At that time, they announced they would switch to cooking fries and hash browns in 100% vegetable oil, ending the use of a blend of vegetable oil and beef tallow. This shift occurred during a period of heightened concern about saturated fat and heart health. The original blend had given their fries a distinctive flavor and texture, but health concerns drove the change. After this switch, McDonald's used vegetable oils and made several adjustments to their frying oils over the years to address health concerns and taste issues.