Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all McCain products frozen?
McCain Foods (Aust/NZ) only produces frozen foods, but there are non-frozen products produced in other McCain Plants around the world. The company makes dehydrated potato products such as potato flakes (instant mashed potatoes) and potato granules in several facilities around the world. McCain Foods (Canada) produces juices and beverages.
Q: Does McCain grow its own potatoes?
Potatoes are grown by independent growers who contract with McCain Foods for a supply of potatoes before planting the year’s crop. McCain agronomists work closely with farmers to help them constantly improve the quality and yield of their crops.
Q: How can I find out about employment opportunities with McCain?
You may search and apply for positions and find more information about working at McCain at the Careers section of this site.
Q: How do you make frozen French fries?
Making frozen McCain French fries today involves many steps in a modern manufacturing process designed to give the consumer the taste, texture and convenience they have learned to expect from the company.
Q: How many French fries does McCain make?
McCain's potato processing plants around the world have a total production capacity of more than one million pounds of potato products an hour. McCain makes one third of all the frozen French fries produced in the world.
Q: How many products does McCain Foods make?
McCain sells hundreds of products to the consumer through retail stores and supermarkets, and to Foodservice operations such as restaurants, catering companies and others. The company makes a broad range of French fries and potato specialties as well as frozen pizza and pizza snacks, vegetables, fruits and frozen meals.
Q: What is the McCain position on the labelling of products containing GMO?
McCain Foods is monitoring the labelling issue closely and will abide by all appropriate regulations established by government.
Q: What is the position of McCain Foods regarding recent concerns about health issues and the food industry?
As a result of increasing levels of obesity and associated health risks, health consciousness has been on the rise among consumers. Today’s consumers want healthy alternatives without compromising quality and taste. McCain is responding to our consumers and customers with an expanded range of Healthy Choice products that are lower in fat, sugar and sodium.
Moderation in how much one eats and drinks, getting regular exercise and enough sleep, as well as reducing stress are all elements of managing one’s health. We believe that all McCain products can be part of a nutritionally balanced diet and a healthy, active lifestyle.
Ultimately, it is the consumer who chooses what food he eats, how often and how much. As a responsible manufacturer of food products, McCain believes it should provide both a wide variety of product choices and the information consumers need to make their purchase decisions. The company has long been a supporter of nutritional labelling and has actively participated in the development of such labelling changes.
Q: Who invented French fries and when?
No one is really sure about the origin of French fries. They became popular in France by the late 1800s, and there are also claims that they really originated in Belgium. American soldiers were introduced to them by French-speaking Belgians when they fought in Europe during World War I — and called them “French fries.” It is even said that Thomas Jefferson served “potatoes fried in the French manner” in the White House in the early 1800s. The British, of course, call French fries “chips,” and England is the land of “fish and chips.”
Q: Who is AIB?
AIB International is a corporation founded by the North American wholesale and retail baking industries in 1919 as a technology transfer centre for bakers and food processors. It now covers all food industries in the areas of Audit Services, Food Safety Education, Baking Education, and Research & Technical Services. Currently over 900 organisations worldwide are associated with AIB. AIB is being used by McCain globally to ensure a consistent system for Food safety and Quality.
Q: What is an AIB Good manufacturing practice (GMP) audit?
GMP programs are an important part of any food company. A strong GMP program reduces the number of food safety variables that can potentially contaminate the food produced. All AIB GMP audits are unannounced. The GMP audits are undertaken and referenced against the AIB Consolidated Standards for Food Safety. A plant must pass this audit twice in the Gold Standard certification stage and once in the recertification stage. An ‘Excellent’ rating must be achieved to pass a GMP audit.
Q: What is HACCP?
HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points. HACCP systems are fundamental in the food industry and have been developed as an effective method of ensuring product safety. Based on seven key principles, HACCP reviews raw materials and processes and identifies specific points that have the potential for product safety compromise. HACCP ensures there are adequate controls in place for these key process points. A plant must pass an AIB HACCP audit in the Gold Standard certification stage. Additionally, the AIB recertification audit has a strong focus on the HACCP system.
Q: What does the Quality system evaluation entail?
The Quality system evaluation is an audit, which reviews 8 key sections: raw materials, process control, process verification, finished product acceptabil¬ity attributes, shipping, and calibration, training and quality policies. Having strong quality programs ensures product quality is maintained throughout the manufacturing process. A plant must pass an AIB Quality System evaluation audit in the Gold Standard certification stage. All sections are reviewed again in the recertification audit.
Q: What does the AIB Ingredient, Label, and Product Quality program review include?
The AIB review of the Ingredient, Label, and Product Quality program is done every 6 months. The review is done to ensure accuracy in the product labels, raw materials and product quality. Raw materials and finished products are randomly selected, tested and reviewed by AIB.
Q: Where can I buy a particular product?
We distribute our products through the supermarkets. Ideally we would like our products ranged in every store but ultimately it is up to the retailers. We can try and assist you in locating our products by contacting our Customer Service Department on 1800 065 521 (Australia) or 0800 858 511 (New Zealand).
Q: Can I buy products directly from you?
Unfortunately, we do not sell directly to the public.