BEIJING, Feb.18 -- McDonald's acknowledged this Monday that wheat and dairy ingredients are indeed used to flavor their french fries. The company had previously denied the claims.

    Chinese food authorities said Wednesday that China has no such standards to detect or regulate the use of these elements. "We can not deny that the presence of those substances, such as peanuts, milk, eggs and wheat, can cause allergic or other medical reactions in food-sensitive consumers," said He Qiurong, spokeswoman from the State Food and Drug Administration, Food Safety Supervision Department.

    She also said, "However, we have no specific requirements asking Chinese food producers, be they packet food manufacturers, non-packet food manufacturers, or restaurants, to detect and label their use of wheat and dairy products."

    Before Wednesday, McDonald's in China had refused to say whether or not they would list these ingredients in Chinese characters on their packaging or they would warn the world's biggest consumer group that such elements could cause potential allergic reactions in certain food-sensitive consumers.McDonald's had said until recently that its fries were free of gluten, milk, or wheat allergens and are safe to eat for those with dietary issues related to the consumption of dairy items. But the fast-food company quietly added "Contains wheat and milk ingredients" this month to the French fries listing on its website.

    The acknowledgment has stirred anger and some concern among consumers on gluten-free diets since it was posted on McDonald's website.

    (Source: Beijing Today)