CBG This Week

McDonald’s is testing a healthier recipe for McNuggets without artificial preservatives. The happier meal will use fewer ingredients than the current recipe — which has 32 ingredients — and may even contain some things you can pronounce. CEO Steve Easterbrook vowed to simplify more Micky D foods, answering a call among consumers for healthier options, when he became the big cheese last year. The move may be timed to roll out “clean-label” nuggets before the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Still not convinced that corporate conscience affects the bottom line? Ask Volkswagen, which has posted the biggest annual loss in its 79-year history ($4.7 billion) following the 2015 emissions scandal. Check their annual report. CEO Matthias Müller begged President Obama for mercy this week, hoping to curb the expected $18 billion suit from the US government. And yet, VW found $71.8 million to pay the 12 current and former members of its management board, Reuters reported.

Reebok wants a redo. Timed for Alien Day (nerd alert), the shoemaker issued a limited release of Alien Stompers, an extra-high hightop that looks like Sigourney Weaver’s footwear in 1979’s Alien. Fans were willing to tolerate the $174.98 price tag without spitting acid. But Reebok chose to honor Ripley, the ass-kickingest heroine in sci fi, with a shoe that was only available in men’s sizes.