McDonald's tries fresh beef instead of frozen

DALLAS, May 13 (UPI) -- McDonald's is testing hamburgers made from fresh beef at 14 locations in the Dallas area.

Instead of the usual frozen patties, burgers such as the quarter pounder and the bacon clubhouse are being made with freshly ground beef.

The fast-food chain has been quietly trying out the fresh approach to their burgers since November, without any advertising.

"It's very premature to draw any conclusions" said company spokeswoman Lisa McComb.

If rolled out to its 14,000 locations nationwide, the move could help McDonald's fight off competition from rival chains such as Shake Shack and In-N-Out, which advertise that they use fresh ground beef in their burgers.

McDonald's typically serves hamburger patties that have been "flash frozen" -- meaning the beef is ground fresh and then quickly frozen. The company says that the burgers are then cooked at a restaurant two to three weeks later.

The company frequently tests new items to add to its menu. In Southern California it is trying out Breakfast Bowls at 800 locations, featuring variations on turkey sausage with leafy kale, spinach, bruschetta and cheese. At some restaurants in Ohio, it's offering the Chicken McGriddle: two maple-flavored pancakes and a slab of fried chicken.

Wall Street seems to be lovin' it. McDonald's shares have been rising steadily over the last year, reaching an all-time high. Profits rose by 35 percent in the first quarter of the year.