‘Ban McDonald’s nationwide,’ says traders’ body after ‘fake cheese’ found in burger in Maharashtra

Such fraudulent practices cannot be tolerated, CAIT adds. This comes after Food & Drug Administration allegedly found counterfeit cheese at fast food giant's outlet in Ahmednagar.

Representational image | Pixabay

New Delhi: The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has demanded that the government impose a complete ban on business operations of American fast food giant McDonald’s, citing reports that ‘fake cheese’ was found in a burger in Maharashtra. 

The traders’ body has written a letter to the Secretary of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs asking him to take immediate action. 

“The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Maharashtra has uncovered a grave health violation at a McDonald’s outlet in Ahmednagar, where counterfeit cheese was found in the burgers served. This egregious act not only constitutes a serious offence but also poses a significant health hazard to consumers,” CAIT secretary general Praveen Khandelwal wrote, seeking a ban on McDonald’s outlets across the country. 

In a statement issued by CAIT national president B. C. Bhartia and Khandelwal, the traders’ body said that, “in light of this alarming discovery, CAIT urgently calls upon Secretary, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Government of India Rohit Kumar Singh and FSSAI to take immediate action to ban McDonald’s operations across the country. It is imperative to halt McDonald’s activities nationwide as there is a possibility of similar counterfeit raw materials being used in other locations, posing a risk to public health”. 

ThePrint contacted Maharashtra FDA commissioner Abhimanyu Kale through text messages and calls. This report will be updated as and when a response is received.

Meanwhile, McDonald’s India came out with a tweet, saying it uses “only real, quality cheese”.

Here’s a fact check for you: We use only real, quality cheese in all our products containing cheese.

Our commitment to transparency in our ingredients and dedication to providing delicious, high-quality meals to our customers remains unwavering.#McDonalds #McDonaldsIndia pic.twitter.com/FDI0aKQeu6

— McDonald's India (@mcdonaldsindia) February 23, 2024

In a statement, the fast food giant also reached out to its customers in the country.

“Amid recent reports about the removal of ‘Cheese’ from our menu at McDonald’s locations in Maharashtra, we want to assure our valued customers that only genuine, high-quality cheese is used in all our cheese-containing products. Collaborating with suppliers adhering to global standards ensures top-quality cheese in our product offerings and not cheese analogues or any substitute,” McDonald’s India said.

“We are actively engaging with the competent authorities on this issue and awaiting their final clarification. We have always been adhering to stringent food standards and are fully compliant with all applicable food laws. Our commitment to transparency in our ingredients and dedication to providing delicious, high-quality meals to our customers remain unwavering,” it added.

Earlier, the CAIT demanded a “thorough investigation” to uncover the extent of the issue and hold responsible parties accountable for endangering public health and safety. “Such fraudulent practices cannot be tolerated, and stringent measures must be implemented to ensure the integrity of food products served to consumers,” it said. 

Stressing on the fact that the health and well-being of citizens are paramount, the CAIT urged the authorities to take urgent action and address the issue. “We stand firm in our commitment to safeguarding consumer rights and ensuring transparency and accountability in the food industry.” 

(Edited by Tony Rai)