Community
Print
A burger bought from McDonald’s last Icelandic outlet the day before it shut is still being exhibited in the country.
The burger and fries – still in their original wrapping – spent some years in the country’s national museum.
The items were moved to the Bus Hostel in Reykjavik in 2015. A real-time webcam documents the food for worldwide fans to watch for any signs of decay.
Relic
According to the Bus Hotel: “On 30 October 2009, the day before McDonald’s closed its doors in Iceland, Hjörtur Smárason went and bought a burger.
“He didn’t want to eat it – no, instead he wanted to preserve it. He kept the burger and fries in its original bag and stored it on a garage shelf.
“Three years later, he checks on his meal only to find that it looked exactly the same as the day he bought it.”
Science
According to McDonald’s there is a reason its food doesn’t decompose.
A spokesperson said: “The reason our food may appear not to decompose comes down to a matter of simple science.
“In order for decomposition to occur, you need certain conditions – specifically moisture.
“Without sufficient moisture – either in the food itself or the environment – bacteria and mold may not grow and therefore, decomposition is unlikely.
“So if food is or becomes dry enough, it is unlikely to grow mold or bacteria or decompose.
“Food prepared at home that is left to dehydrate could see similar results.”
You can watch thereal-time footage of the burger here
