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Ice Cream Machines

All articles tagged with #ice cream machines

US Government Backs McDonald's Franchise Owners in Ice Cream Machine Battle
businesstechnology2 years ago

US Government Backs McDonald's Franchise Owners in Ice Cream Machine Battle

The federal government is supporting McDonald's franchise owners in their battle to use third-party devices to fix chronically broken ice cream machines, as broken-down machines cost business owners $625 in lost sales per day. The FTC and the Department of Justice are seeking an exemption to copyright law to allow business owners to repair commercial and industrial equipment, arguing that not allowing third-party repairs limits competition and increases costs. The battle stems from McDonald's denying franchise owners the ability to use a high-tech gadget called Kytch, prompting lawsuits and investigations.

Federal Agencies Push for Fixable McDonald's Ice Cream Machines
technology2 years ago

Federal Agencies Push for Fixable McDonald's Ice Cream Machines

US government agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice, have requested DMCA exemptions for commercial soft serve machines and other industrial and commercial equipment, aiming to enable more third-party and self-repair options, increase competition in the repair market, and prevent companies from using DMCA laws to enforce repair monopolies. The move follows a petition by repair vendor iFixit and interest group Public Knowledge, with a focus on the notorious issues surrounding McDonald's soft serve ice cream machines supplied by Taylor. This effort aligns with broader advocacy for right-to-repair legislation and executive actions aimed at promoting repair reforms.

"Startup's Demise: McDonald's Ice Cream Machine Hackers Uncover the 'Smoking Gun'"
business2 years ago

"Startup's Demise: McDonald's Ice Cream Machine Hackers Uncover the 'Smoking Gun'"

McDonald's ice cream machine hackers, Kytch, claim to have found evidence that Taylor, the soft-serve machine maker, conspired with McDonald's to undermine their startup. Kytch had developed an internet-connected gadget to monitor and diagnose issues with McDonald's ice cream machines. However, in November 2020, McDonald's warned franchisees not to use Kytch, citing safety concerns. Kytch now alleges that Taylor engineered this email to eliminate competition, with evidence pointing to an email from the CEO of Taylor's parent company, Middleby. Kytch has filed a motion in its ongoing lawsuit against Taylor, accusing them of trade libel and tortious interference.

Washington State Listeria Outbreak: Ice Cream Machines and Milkshakes Linked to Deaths
health2 years ago

Washington State Listeria Outbreak: Ice Cream Machines and Milkshakes Linked to Deaths

Listeria bacteria found in ice cream machines at a Frugals restaurant in Tacoma, Washington, have been linked to three deaths and six hospitalizations. The machines were not cleaned correctly, leading to a "foodborne listeriosis outbreak." The restaurant has stopped using the machines and is undergoing thorough cleaning and testing. Health officials advise pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems who consumed milkshakes from the restaurant between May 29 and August 7, 2023, to contact their healthcare provider. Listeria can cause severe illness, and symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and flu-like symptoms.

"Fatal Listeria Outbreak Linked to Frugals Restaurant Milkshakes in Tacoma"
health2 years ago

"Fatal Listeria Outbreak Linked to Frugals Restaurant Milkshakes in Tacoma"

Three people have died and three others have been hospitalized after consuming milkshakes contaminated with Listeria bacteria from a restaurant in Tacoma, Washington. The outbreak was linked to improperly cleaned ice cream machines at the Frugals restaurant. Symptoms of Listeria infection include fever, muscle aches, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal problems. Pregnant women are at a higher risk of contracting listeriosis. The health department has urged anyone who ate at the restaurant between May 29 and August 7 and is experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention.