Hong Kong's Big Macs fattest in the world

McDonald's burgers in 'Asia's world city' are cholesterol-crammed, alarming nutritionists

Big Macs served in Hong Kong contain more fat and cholesterol than anywhere else in the world, the Sunday Morning Post can reveal.

The average burger can also lay claim to having the joint highest number of calories - along with those served in the United States, according to comparisons based on nutritional information posted on McDonald's website. McChicken burgers and Chicken McNuggets had similarly high amounts of fat, cholesterol and calories.

The findings have drawn concern from nutritionists who point to the close association between a diet high in fat and cholesterol, and heart disease. Some also point to the risk of high blood pressure, and kidney problems because of the high salt content in local Big Macs.

McDonald's Hong Kong attributed the higher levels to the use of different ingredients suppliers in various parts of the world.

A spokeswoman for the company in Hong Kong said: 'The ingredients of McDonald's food items worldwide are basically the same. The nutritional composition of items ... may vary from country to country as the ingredients are provided from suppliers in different areas.'

According to information posted on McDonald's website, Hong Kong Big Macs contain 560 calories each - 80 calories more than those eaten by Australians and 50 calories more than those in the Middle East. They also have 85mg of cholesterol - the highest of any country for which information is available.