Claims that McDonald’s french fries contain a chemical found in cigarette smoke need context

Summary

Cobb County schools announce bonuses for employees, with Governor Kemp granting $1000 for teachers and support staff, and the school board approving $500 for part-time workers. Students return to school in Cobb and Gwinnett County amidst cool weather, with temperatures not exceeding 50 degrees. Traffic updates include a wreck on 985 southbound and delays on I-20 eastbound. A viral TikTok video raises concerns about acrylamide in McDonald's fries, a chemical also found in cigarette smoke, which forms naturally during high-temperature cooking.

Takeaways

• 🏫 Cobb County schools are providing a $1000 bonus for teachers and school support staff, as granted by Governor Brian Kemp.
• 💼 The Cobb Schools board of Education approved a $500 bonus for part-time employees, following the superintendent's recommendation.
• 👦👧 A good day is wished for students returning to school in Cobb and Gwinnett County, as well as Marietta City Schools.
• 🌡️ The weather forecast predicts a cool day with temperatures around the 30-degree mark, rising to a high of 50 degrees.
• ☀️ Expect plenty of sunshine for the rest of the day, with temperatures cooling down to around 42 degrees by noon.
• 🚦 Traffic updates mention a wreck on southbound 985 near Buford Drive, with a suggestion to use Buford Highway as an alternate.
• 🚗 There are delays on I-20 eastbound near Fulton Industrial Boulevard, with congestion stretching back beyond Six Flags.
• 🍟 A viral TikTok video claims McDonald's fries contain acrylamide, a chemical also found in cigarette smoke, prompting a verification request.
• 🔍 Verification sources include McDonald's, the US Food and Drug Administration, and the CDC, confirming acrylamide forms naturally when foods are cooked at high temperatures.
• 🍟 Acrylamide is not an additive in McDonald's fries; it occurs naturally during the cooking process, similar to its presence in cigarette smoke but in much lower quantities.
• 🌧️ The weather forecast for the upcoming days includes rain, with Friday seeing a mix of sun and clouds, and rain becoming more widespread by late Friday into Saturday morning.

Q & A

What significant news is there for Cobb County schools?

Governor Brian Kemp granted a $1000 bonus for teachers and school support staff in Cobb County schools.

What additional bonus was approved by the Cobb Schools board of Education for certain employees?

The board approved a $500 bonus for employees working less than half time, as recommended by the superintendent.

Which counties are mentioned in regards to students returning to school?

Cobb and Gwinnett County students are mentioned as heading back to school.

What is the current weather forecast for the day mentioned in the script?

The weather is expected to be sunny with temperatures around the 30-degree mark in the morning, rising to a high of 50 degrees in the afternoon.

What is the traffic situation near Buford Drive as described in the script?

There is a wreck blocking a right lane on southbound 985 near Buford Drive, causing traffic to slow down, with Buford Highway suggested as an alternate route.

What is the condition of the traffic on I-85 south?

Traffic on I-85 south is slow, and a stall that was cleared near Beaver Ruin is causing delays.

What is the weather forecast for Friday?

Friday is expected to start mostly sunny but will see clouds moving in by mid-morning, with rain beginning after about 10 o'clock.

What are the expected temperatures for Friday and Saturday?

Friday's temperatures are expected to start at 30 degrees and reach near 50 degrees. Saturday will start with rain and a high of 53 degrees.

What is the claim made in the viral TikTok video about McDonald's fries?

The video claims that McDonald's fries contain acrylamide, a chemical also found in cigarette smoke.

What is the context provided about acrylamide found in McDonald's fries?

Acrylamide is not an additive or ingredient but a chemical that naturally forms when certain foods are cooked at high temperatures, such as frying. It is also found in cigarette smoke but in greater quantities there than in food.

What sources were referenced to verify the claim about acrylamide in McDonald's fries?

Sources including McDonald's, the US Food and Drug Administration, and the CDC were referenced to verify the claim.

What is the expected weather for Sunday?

Sunday is expected to be the driest of the weekend days, with a high temperature of 61 degrees.

What traffic advice is given for those traveling near I-20 eastbound?

Due to a wreck near Fulton Industrial Boulevard, there are significant delays, and travelers are advised to expect slow-moving traffic from Thornton Road to Lithia Springs.