DL
DFN MCR SERVICES LTD
Aug 17, 2026
Today, 17 August 2026 at 3:46 pm, I made a purchase at the McDonald’s located in the PR5 4AW postcode area.
My order included an apple pie, a Big Mac, a cheeseburger, and a Sprite with no ice. The order itself clearly stated that the Sprite was to be served without ice.
However, when I received my order, the drink was served with ice. I therefore asked for it to be replaced in accordance with my original order.
To my surprise, the replacement Sprite I was given had an orange/brown colour, similar to rust, which was completely different from the normal appearance of Sprite.
I was seriously concerned by this situation, particularly because I could not understand whether this had happened accidentally or whether it had been done intentionally because I had asked for the original drink to be replaced.
I parked my car and went inside the restaurant to question the staff about the appearance of the drink. I specifically asked whether that was really the normal colour of Sprite, and a member of staff told me that yes, that was the colour of Sprite.
I do not consider this explanation acceptable. I have consumed Sprite at many McDonald’s restaurants in different cities across the United Kingdom, as well as in other countries, and Sprite normally has a clear and transparent appearance, not an orange/brown or rust-like colour.
For this reason, I believe this incident needs to be properly investigated. There may have been a problem with the drinks machine, cross-contamination or mixing with another beverage, an issue with the drink lines or dispensing system, or another fault that could explain the unusual colour.
I would also like the conduct of the member of staff who assured me that this appearance was normal for Sprite to be investigated.
In addition, I was not provided with a receipt or proof of purchase for my order. I believe this is important to mention, particularly given that I now need to make a formal complaint regarding both my order and the quality and appearance of the drink I was served.
As this was a beverage intended for consumption, I consider this incident concerning and would like a formal explanation regarding what could have caused this unusual colour, what checks will be carried out on the drinks equipment and dispensing system, what action will be taken regarding the staff involved, and why I was not provided with a receipt for my purchase.
I would appreciate a formal response and investigation into this incident.