Maharashtra FDA Accuses McDonald's of Using Cheap Vegetable Oil Instead of Real Cheese in Burgers
Source: The DairyNews
In a significant action, Maharashtra FDA has accused McDonald's of deceptive practices by substituting real cheese with cheap vegetable oil in its burgers and nuggets.
The regulatory body suspended the license of a McDonald's outlet in Ahmednagar, prompting the removal of the term "cheese" from various menu items. McDonald's allegedly used cheese analogues without proper disclosure, potentially posing health risks to consumers.
Cheese analogues replicate the taste and texture of traditional dairy cheese, often substituting dairy fat with more cost-effective vegetable oil. The FDA claims McDonald's failed to disclose the use of cheese analogues, misleading consumers into thinking they were consuming real cheese. The inspection in October found at least eight items containing cheese analogues.
Despite McDonald's contesting the action, the FDA suspended the outlet's license due to an unsatisfactory explanation. McDonald's has now renamed the products by removing the word "cheese," denying the use of substitutes. The FDA is pushing for broader investigations into similar practices by other fast-food chains.
In response, Westlife Foodworld, handling McDonald's franchises in southern and western India, clarified that it is engaging with competent authorities and remains fully compliant with applicable food laws. Shares of Westlife Foodworld closed with a cut of over 2 percent amid ongoing developments.
Cheese analogues replicate the taste and texture of traditional dairy cheese, often substituting dairy fat with more cost-effective vegetable oil. The FDA claims McDonald's failed to disclose the use of cheese analogues, misleading consumers into thinking they were consuming real cheese. The inspection in October found at least eight items containing cheese analogues.
Despite McDonald's contesting the action, the FDA suspended the outlet's license due to an unsatisfactory explanation. McDonald's has now renamed the products by removing the word "cheese," denying the use of substitutes. The FDA is pushing for broader investigations into similar practices by other fast-food chains.
In response, Westlife Foodworld, handling McDonald's franchises in southern and western India, clarified that it is engaging with competent authorities and remains fully compliant with applicable food laws. Shares of Westlife Foodworld closed with a cut of over 2 percent amid ongoing developments.
