Former McDonald's chef reveals the menu items you should NEVER order from the popular fast food chain

A former McDonald's chef has candidly revealed the menu items customers should never order. 

Mike Haracz, who held the title of Manager of Culinary Innovation for the US menu for four years, has lifted the lid on the fast food chain's secrets. 

Sharing his favorite meal and the best item swaps, the 40-year-old, from Illinois, has some very useful tips.  

He explained that he would never order the iconic bagel breakfast sandwich as it is, and would switch the standard folded egg to either a round egg or the scrambled option. 

And timing, according to Mike, is everything.

Mike Haracz, who held the title of Manager of Culinary Innovation for the US menu for four years, has lifted the lid on the fast food chain's secrets 

Sharing his favorite meal and the best item swaps, the 40-year-old, from Illinois, has some very useful tips 

He explained that he would never order the iconic bagel breakfast sandwich as it is, and would switch the standard folded egg to either a round egg or the scrambled option 

Mike, who spent years developing new items and limited-time offers, revealed: 'I feel like the folded egg used on their breakfast sandwiches tends to be dry and lacks flavor.

'And the new bun is not as good as it used to be, so I would recommend asking for it steamed, for a better burger experience.'

Mike said his advice is based on 'personal taste preferences' as there is nothing to avoid from a food safety perspective.

But with over 20 years of professional experience, as well as degrees in culinary arts and culinary nutrition, he knows the tricks of the trade.

Mike's personal favorite order is a classic.

He said: 'The best option is the quarter-pounder with cheese but you need to eat it within a few minutes of being served to know the difference.

'The US has switched to cooking fresh beef to order for quarter pounders.

'If you wait too long to eat it, all of the quality improvements are lost, and it tastes the way that it used to.'

Mike said his advice is based on 'personal taste preferences' as there is nothing to avoid from a food safety perspective 

But with over 20 years of professional experience, as well as degrees in culinary arts and culinary nutrition, he knows the tricks of the trade (stock image)

During his time working at McDonald's, Mike would conduct sensory and quality testing on products and ingredients.

He claims that due to the volume of food McDonald's sells every day, the restaurant could be somewhat limited in what they launch nationally.

He said: 'There might not be enough of an ingredient in the world to support it on the menu.

'McDonald's corporate would provide guidelines on many aspects of the restaurants, including the cooking process, and hold times for food ingredients.

'Working in the corporate kitchens is a very different experience, than working in the restaurants.

'We were not cooking for guests, however, the kitchens were designed to replicate the footprint of these restaurants.'

Mike concluded: 'Just like every restaurant, the busier it was, the harder it is to maintain some standards. 

'Being properly or understaffed has a dramatic effect on the quality of food being served.'

Mike is currently working as a senior research and development chef for a global ingredient supplier.