McDonald's CEO explains why he takes people's favourite items off menu

It's a sad fact of life that once a new item arrives on the McDonald's menu, it often disappears again within a few weeks.

From Cheese Melt Dippers to the Big Tasty, some of our favourite Maccies items are often limited edition.

Well, president and CEO of McDonald's Chris Kempczinski has revealed exactly why this happens - and while it makes total sense, it doesn't hurt any less. You can hear his explanation below:

Speaking at The Economic Club of Chicago, Kempczinski explained that he regularly gets asked why McDonald's no longer has certain items on the menu.

"Well I get asked all the time, 'why don't you have this on the menu anymore, why don't you have that on the menu anymore," he said.

"And what I say is we put on the menu what sells. I have people who say, 'why don't you have the egg white delight anymore on the menu?' Well because you didn't buy it when we did. So if you want it on the menu, buy it!"

Kempczinski also explained that during the pandemic - because of supply chain issues and staff shortages - McDonald's reduced their menu around the world.

"What we discovered was a lot of the items we got rid of that somebody thought were critical, the customer didn't seem to miss," said Kempczinski.

"When you got rid of all that complexity in the restaurants, it improved operations, service times and margins."

The popular burger is being axed from the menu on 19 October to give the fast food chain room for some new arrivals, including a brand new permanent chicken burger, the McCrispy Burger, which is set to launch on the same date.

Although some of the items are limited edition, the McCrispy is the first permanent chicken burger added to the McDonald's menu in 15 years - so we don't have to worry too much about it leaving any time soon.