I had put off going to McDonald’s for as long as possible, knowing that I wouldn’t be able to order the Mediterranean wrap that I had enjoyed in Canada. With no McCafe, options are limited but I had no idea how limited when I agreed to take my kids there for supper.

Surprised that we didn’t have to fight through the usual crowd, we walked right up to the counter. The kids faces almost glowed with excitement as they looked at the lit up menu. I’m sure they were envisioning themselves eating the oversized Big Mac and cheeseburgers advertised. Meanwhile I tried to decide if there was anything that I could stomach. But then I saw a sign of apology above the register.

“Wait a minute guys,” I said, reading the sign. “It looks like not everything is available.” My eyes fell to an 81/2” by 11” piece of paper that listed only four combos. That can’t be all, I thought. But as I stepped forward the dark-haired crew member, who was only slightly taller than the till, pushed the paper toward me with a smile.

“We only have this one,” she said sweetly, pointing to the filet-o-fish meal.

“That’s all?” I asked in surprise, noticing the other three were from the breakfast menu. She nodded. It was then that I looked around and noticed every single person in the restaurant was eating filet-o-fish!

Bamboo Shoot’s eyes widened in disappointment and we stepped back to evaluate the situation. It was late, so we decided to order and tried to make the best of a strange yet funny situation. After eating our identical meals, we returned home and the kids shared their disappointment with dad.

How could McDonald’s not be selling it’s trademark Big Mac? There was only one way to find out. Google!

That’s when we read about about the rotten meat scandal.

According to Telegraph.co.uk, “An alleged email from the management of the factory was shown asking employees to extend the expiry date of 10 tons of frozen beef. The meat, which Dragon TV claimed was already rotten, was reprocessed and repackaged.”

10 tons of beef, we could not believe it!

On one hand I was shocked, on the other, reports on food scandals are becoming so common here I’m starting to expect them. Panda was full of questions. “Why would they do that?” and “Would someone try that in Canada?”

I wasn’t sure how to answer his questions and at times like these I feel torn between the aspects of China that I love, and those that are hard to come to terms with.

I feel sad for the reputation that such situations give China. We have made some wonderful Chinese friends during our time in China, who would never do anything to hurt or cheat another. Our friendships and the wonderful opportunities that we have keep us here, despite the challenges.

I wish I could tell by looking which food is safe to eat and what is not. I can’t.

But I’m sure that will be the only time I order four filet-o-fish meals!