Rugby legend Phil Vickery to help McDonald's in search for Quality Scouts to check-out supply chain

McDonald's is launching a search for members of the public to report on the sourcing of ingredients and preparation of its most famous products, including the Big Mac and Sausage and Egg McMuffin.

The burger giant has invited Phil Vickery, England rugby star and the 2011 winner of Celebrity MasterChef, to help select the Quality Scouts and join them on behind-the-scene visits to some of the 17,500 farms in the UK and Ireland that supply the company.

It is expected that the Quality Scouts will interview farmers, food suppliers and McDonald's employees to find out the ingredients in the products and how they are made. The results will be published on McDonald's interactive website http://www.catererandhotelkeeper.co.uk/articles/25/1/2013/347180/mcdonald-s-to-create-2-500-new-uk-jobs-in-2013.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">whatmakesmcdonalds.co.uk ](http://www.mcdonalds.co.uk/ukhome/whatmakesmcdonalds.html)later this year.

"We're extremely proud of our longstanding British supply chain and the quality standards we have in place, but we know there is a lot of curiosity about our food," he said. "We're looking forward to giving the Quality Scouts unique access behind the scenes, letting them uncover the facts, and sharing their reports."

Phil Vickery said that as a son of a dairy farmer he has always been very aware of where the food he eats comes from.

"I know McDonald's is a big supporter of British and Irish farmers, and I'm looking forward to finding out more about how it sources its menu ingredients and prepares its food," he explained. " I'll also be testing my cooking skills in the kitchen and, most importantly, along with the other Quality Scouts I'll be reporting back on what I've learnt, what surprises me, and anything I believe McDonald's could do better.

"I encourage anyone who's interested in discovering more about McDonald's food and is willing to give up a little time this summer to apply to be a Quality Scout. What better way to find out the secrets behind the Big Mac?"

To apply to become a Quality Scout, visit www.whatmakesmcdonalds.co.uk. Applications are open from today, Friday 10 May, until Sunday 16 June 2013. The Quality Scout visits will take place throughout summer 2013.

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