My wife bought her new (at the time) Mazda MX-6 when she was 17 by working at McD's. All her co-workers were like "how'd you do that." She said "remember all those times you went out or bought clothes while I picked up your shift?" One was so mad at that she ran a key down the side of the new car. I hate lazy-asses (points to feet on desk
).
Anywho, McD's has always used vegetable oil for many years. It was recently sued by a group of Hindus and others over the undisclosed animal fat in the fries. That's where you've heard about that. They settled, I believe. So, unless meat is cooked in the veggie oil (incl. the fries if they have not changed them), then the oil won't get contaminated. Are McNuggets deep fried?
The new "premium" salads are topped with your choice of: chicken, tuna, or caesar dressing (contains anchovies). So, not a big play to vegetarians as far as I can tell. The Mc-Veggies are only available at select locations here in the states, including some in NYC. I've NEVER seen one on the menu. (BK, btw, has the BK Veggie at all locations.)
That stuff at your McD's in NZ is VERY different - and cool. McD's is regionally very varied. In Mass., I think you can still find the yearly run of the McD's Lobster... burger... erm... thing.