These days, if you walk into a McDonald’s store in China, it will be no surprise to find that beverage sales surpass sales of meat products such as burgers and chicken nuggets. In every Chinese branch of the fast food giant, you can read notices stating,” We regret to let you know that currently we will only be able to provide a limited menu at our restaurant.”
McNuggets and most burgers have been removed from its menu throughout the country. McDonald’s has severed all ties with Husi China which has caused a temporary supply shortage until McDonald’s finds new meat suppliers. It is the loss of public trust, built through years of marketing and PR campaigns that is the major concern. The food safety practices of international fast food chains have been brought into question nationwide, and many people no longer stop by their once favorite restaurants as a result of this scandal. In contrast to KFC who has urgently changed its supplier so as to maintain regular operation, McDonald’s is apparently suffering a much greater loss. One of the reasons lies in McDonald’s close tie with Husi Food and its parent company OSI Group.
Besides mainland China, unsafe meats were also served in McDonald’s restaurants in Macau and Hong Kong. While Macau McDonald's operations immediately halted all kinds of suspicious foods and destroyed 3700 kg Husi products including frozen vegetables under the supervision of local competent authority, Hong Kong McDonald’s disappointed its customers with an attempt to conceal the source of their meats. HKSAR authorities have initiated investigations and exposed McDonald’s import history with Husi Food. Even though official apologies were made, the PR nightmare is unlikely to be forgotten soon.
The scandal has triggered a chain reaction and affected McDonald’s operations in other parts of the world. The flow of customers into Japan chains has decreased by 10% and daily sales have dropped by 15% to 20%. McDonald’s Japan has suspended all import of Chinese chicken and is considering switching to Brazilian suppliers.
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