FDA Finds Cheese Substitute, Suspends License
Maharashtra’s Food and Drugs Administration has alleged that a McDonald’s outlet in Ahmednagar was using cheese substitutes instead of real cheese in burgers and nuggets based on inspection, and has suspended its license for contravention of labeling and safety norms.
The FDA has also reportedly directed McDonald’s to remove the word ‘cheese’ from menus nationwide pending investigations. The charges have sparked health concerns given McDonald’s scale.
Operator Claims Only Real Cheese Used
However, Hardcastle Restaurants – the regional franchise of McDonald’s covering west and south India – has responded stating it is engaging with authorities but does not use any substitutes for real cheese in food preparations.
Hardcastle has over 300 McDonald’s outlets under its ambit across states like Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu etc. It has contested charges of regulatory non-compliance regarding ingredients used.
Nationwide Ban Sought on Safety Grounds
Meanwhile national traders’ body CAIT has demanded an outright ban on McDonald’s operations across India in light of the health hazard posed by allegedly utilizing hazardous cheese substitutes.
CAIT argued that largescale usage of adulterants by the multinational food chain risks public health and warrants stringent action including possible license revocation for all outlets.
But Hardcastle claims only high quality ingredients sourced from reputed suppliers are used in McDonald’s offerings. Further probes will reveal more facts.
