Here’s why Burger King is bragging about its ‘moldy Whopper’ in a new ad

No, Burger King didn’t accidentally share a photo of a moldy Whopper.

It’s the very intentional star — albeit a rotting one — of the fast food chain’s new ad campaign celebrating the removal of all artificial preservatives from the Whopper sandwich in the U.S., the company said in a news release.

But the Whopper isn’t alone. Burger King says it’s also removed colors and flavors from artificial sources from all of its core sandwiches and sides, according to the release.

“The Burger King brand is currently rolling out the Whopper sandwich with no preservatives, colors, or flavors from artificial sources in the U.S. The product is already available in more than 400 restaurants in the country and will reach all restaurants throughout the year,” Burger King Americas president Christopher Finazzo said in the release.

The advertisement shows a pair of gloved hands assembling a Whopper on a pedestal then tracks the sandwich for 34 days until it’s completely covered in mold.

The image of a fuzzy green Whopper is certainly shocking and has predictably drawn mixed responses online.

“Not sure this is how I’d want my brand represented,” one user wrote.

“It is so sad the state of affairs in present day food consumption that this is an advert/selling point,” wrote another. “Good on you though Burger King.”

“High paid creative minds collaborated on this and I am sure it cost plenty....yet? Watch it.... Do you ever want to eat a hamburger again when you see the mold grow?” wrote a third.

This story was originally published February 19, 2020 at 10:21 AM.