October 22, 2024
WRITTEN BY:
Melinda Head

Are Hair Restraints Required by McDonald’s Foodservice Workers?

Just asking …

In 1983, while a student at Howard University, Kamala Harris worked at a McDonald’s franchise on Central Avenue in Alameda, California.

Wanting to level the playing field, Donald Trump decided to add a stint at McDonald’s to his resume while campaigning in Pennsylvania this past weekend.

It all seems rather absurd, wouldn’t you say?

Interestingly, the media showed Mr. Trump working the fries counter and drive-thru window, sporting an apron … yet without any hair restraint. For a man who is often seen wearing a ball cap, can you help me understand why his golden locks were free flowing in the food prep area?

In Pennsylvania, where Mr. Trump acquired his new fast-food skills, foodservice employees who have direct contact with food are required to wear hair restraints to prevent their hair from contaminating food, equipment and utensils. That’s the law.

There’s a reason people who work at McDonald’s restrain their hair … it’s called Public Health. Hair is a source of microbiological contamination

For both Mr. Trump and McDonald’s, the staged event was not only poorly executed, but also in clear violation of foodservice regulations. I wonder what Chris Kempczinski, Chairman and CEO, has to say about all of this. Would Ray Kroc, the brainchild of McDonald’s as we know it today, roll over in his grave?

This is Chris Kempczinski, Chairman and CEO of McDonald’s. I wonder what he’ll be saying to the Feasterville, PA, franchise owner who hosted Donald Trump on Sunday: A. “Great job, look at all the free publicity you brought in”, or B. “You skirted public health rules and smeared our reputation, your franchise is revoked”?

Other than Kamala Harris, who else in the public eye has truly worked at McDonald’s for more than 15 minutes? Jeff Bezos, Jay Leno, Andie MacDowell, Rachel McAdams, Sharon Stone, Pink and Shania Twain, to name just a few.

All of these celebs worked at McDonald’s in their formative years

With renowned McDonald’s experience on your resume, you may possess the following skill set, all of which would be excellent qualities for any president to have:

  1. Strong Organizational Skills: Proficient in establishing and maintaining routines that promote order and discipline in a dynamic environment
  2. Team Collaboration: Experienced in fostering camaraderie and teamwork, effectively contributing to group goals and enhancing team dynamics
  3. Problem-Solving Under Pressure: Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve issues swiftly in high-stress situations, ensuring efficient outcomes
  4. Mentorship and Leadership: Skilled in empowering others to achieve success, providing guidance and support to enhance team performance
  5. Self-Confidence Development: Cultivated a strong sense of self-confidence through continuous learning and adaptation
  6. Foundational Learning: Committed to learning and developing skills from the ground up, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of processes and tasks

Mr. Trump now knows how to lower fries into hot oil, remove them from the oil, salt them and use a scoop to box them. His understanding of foodservice health etiquette is poor, indicating that he needs more foundational learning.

If there is one phrase that everyone who has ever worked at McDonald’s knows, it is: “How can I help you?”. And that is the phrase that should be on the lips of every President of the United States.

“Smile and greet people. Kindness is a gift everyone can afford to give.” (New Crew Handbook, McDonald’s)

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About the Author

A serial entrepreneur, Melinda is a sociologist and statistician who believes there is no currency with greater value than knowledge

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