Wow!
"nobody at Mcdonalds cares!"
I am an assitant business manager and I can totally disagree with that comment, I can't speak for all Mcdonalds in the country ovbiously but I know where I work if they aren't fussed with following the correct procedures then we find another employee that will and they get the sack! I eat Mcflurries at my store and wouldn't let any food be served that was prepared in an environment that would put anybody at risk not just pregnant women. Also we get random ATCQ checks (Across the counte quality) where they take samples of the shake machine at random dates, and test for bacteria etc, the results of which must be held in the stores food safety file. Also every single one of our random Enivronmental health visits, we have never recieved anything less than the full five stars. It is a shame you have had a poor experience working there and feel that "no one cares." I would really have to question the management of the store although it amazes me that a machine with such a danger to the public would go unnoticed.
Then I agree with you, ignorance can be bliss and thinking deeply into every packaged item we buy from anywhere can freak you out when you think about who has handled it etc!! Again it is down to personal choice and for the mum to be to feel comfortable that she has had to advice and can act on it which way she feels best.