In the 1970s, McDonald's faced unexpected challenges with a coffee spoon intended for stirring. It inadvertently became linked to drug culture, as cocaine users adopted it for snorting. The company became part of a congressional discussion led by Joe Biden regarding drug paraphernalia, where its spoon was labeled the 'best cocaine spoon in town.' Although initially unembarrassed, McDonald's decided to redesign the spoons after advocacy from anti-drug representatives. This incident reflects McDonald's ability to adapt to controversies and public perception issues over the years, including previous changes like discontinuing the Supersize option due to declining sales.
McDonald's was not embarrassed that the spoons were being misused in this way. But after that hearing, they agreed to redesign the spoons.
Joyce Nalepka recounted how representatives of the drug paraphernalia industry testified that a McDonald's coffee spoon was 'the best cocaine spoon in town.'
McDonald's is no stranger to adapting to controversy, dropping its Supersize menu in 2004 due to decreased sales.
The Paraphernalia Trade Association fought for looser restrictions on drug-related items, but faced strong opposition from anti-drug advocates.
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