McDonald's 'transformed our taste palates'

McDonald's is celebrating its 40th year in Britain. The first UK branch of the fast food giant was opened in Woolwich, south-east London in 1974.

William Sitwell, a judge on Master Chef: The Professionals, described the influence of the chain as "revolutionary" in the UK, claiming that it broke down conventional meal times and enabling people to "eat things that they wanted when they wanted".

Columnist and food writer Bee Wilson added that the chain was part of a "transformation" in our taste palates, with the UK moving from favouring "salty-sour" flavours to the "salty-sweet" flavours prevalent in McDonald's food.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on November 13 2014.