I'd suggest the quality of McDonald's ingredients is superior than the vast majority of restaurants that rely on Sysco or US Foods. Just my opinion, I know it's not going to convince anyone whose mind is already made up about McDonald's.
aww man dont tell people about sysco. Once you learn to spot unmodified sysco foods it's impossible to stop and the illusion of sitdown restaurants is tarnished forever.
What are good places to start down this rabbit hole? (for those willing to have their illusions tarnished? )
One option might be to visit your local Jetro or Restaurant Depot, if you live in the US. If Sysco has showrooms/open warehouses I’m not aware of them, but Jetro and RD are of a very similar ilk.
Sure you can have french fries made from the best fat and potatoes but it doesn't change the fact that you're eating a burger with french fries instead of a steak with baked potatoes.