The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken stringent action against fast-food giant McDonald’s for allegedly replacing cheese with inexpensive vegetable oil in its popular menu items. The crackdown resulted in the suspension of the licence of a McDonald’s outlet located in Ahmednagar.
The FDA’s investigation revealed that McDonald’s was using cheese analogues, substituting real cheese without proper disclosure to consumers. This deceptive practice misled customers into believing they were consuming authentic cheese in burgers and nuggets. As a consequence, the FDA suspended the licence of the Ahmednagar outlet and mandated the removal of the term “cheese” from various items on McDonald’s menu.
Cheese analogues, designed to imitate the taste and texture of dairy cheese while using cost-effective vegetable oil, were reportedly used in at least eight items inspected at the Ahmednagar branch. Despite McDonald’s denial of using substitutes, the FDA remains adamant in its pursuit of transparency and consumer protection.
FDA Commissioner Abhimanyu Kale emphasized the importance of accurate labelling, stating that the absence of any mention of cheese analogues during inspection raised concerns. McDonald’s response to rename products without the term “cheese” was deemed unsatisfactory by the FDA, prompting broader investigations into similar practices by other fast-food chains.
In response to the allegations, McDonald’s spokesperson reiterated the company’s commitment to using only real, quality cheese in its products, refuting claims of substituting ingredients.
Westlife Foodworld, the entity handling McDonald’s franchises in southern and western India, assured compliance with food standards and cooperation with regulatory authorities. However, the controversy has impacted the company’s stock performance, with shares closing over 2 percent lower.
As the investigation unfolds, consumers and authorities alike await further clarity on the matter, underscoring the importance of transparency and adherence to food regulations in the fast-food industry.