The problem is that a happy meal that isn't visibly decomposing doesn't prove anything in that regard. Give me a control sample of local, organic food and you wouldn't see much difference. (Never mind that the biggest culprit for preservatives would be the bread, as the fries and meat is mostly preserved by freezing, not much else needed)

Nobody's saying that McD is health food, but that ain't proof. I'm particularly scared by some of the comments, especially when they come from teachers. Reminds me of the old penny/coke parlor trick.

"Dried foods will decompose over time"

Not in Colorado. Cold, high and dry is remarkably potent combination, stuff will pretty much mummify if undisturbed.

Obviously people should eat fresh, unprocessed foods. (and stay the hell away from sugar) BUT

Dead humans are basically meat, and in the right climate and situation we will dry up and not decompose. Mummification happens both naturally and artificially (egyptians) and something similar is probably happening to the Happy meal here... If people kept it damp and the same thing happened, I would be worried...