That could be true, I guess. But there is a distinctive difference between how they used to and do now. They only are palatable if you eat them there right away.
Regardless, the preparation and storage is completely difference now. NONE of their fries are blanched in advance now. Right out of a plastic bag or box into the approved fryer.
Yes they are, at the factory.
Ever had Five Guys? They do now what McDonald's used to do, except they don't peel the potatoes. They wash them and run them through the cutter right into the oil. Even their fries taste like crap when they get cold. You can't nuke 'em, either. You have to warm 'em back up using the oven. They even have the source farm's name written on a sign. Every time I've been, they've been from Idaho, usually near Pocatello or Idaho Falls (I'm from there, but currently live in New Mexico).