Maharashtra cancels license of McDonald’s outlet after crackdown on cheese

Action taken against McDonald’s outlet in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra (Representational)

Mumbai:

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken action against a McDonald’s outlet in the state’s Ahmednagar district over cheese and canceled its license, an official said on Saturday.

He said the eatery, owned by the fast food giant, had faced an FDA investigation for allegedly using a “cheese-like” product in its dishes without disclosing that it was actually a cheese substitute, causing customers to panic. Was misled.

Following an inspection and subsequent objections, the outlet’s license was suspended, but was recently revoked after the chain filed a compliance report confirming that they had sold the product under the name The word ‘cheese’ has been removed.

“In October 2023, we visited the outlet in Kedgaon and found that the names of the food items displayed at the outlet included American Cheese Burger, American Cheese Nuggets, Cheese Burger, Italian Cheese Lava Burger and Blueberry Cheese Cake. All these names are their Brand names for their products,” said Rajendra Bade, food safety officer, FDA-Ahmednagar.

Bade said, after analysis, he found that instead of pure cheese, Joint was using a cheese-like product. “Technically, it’s called a cheese analog or cheese substitute. While pure cheese contains milk fat, cheese analogs contain both milk fat and vegetable fat,” he said.

The FDA then asked the fast food giant for clarification on the presence of milk fat and vegetable fat in products advertised as containing cheese.

“Since his explanation was unsatisfactory, we suspended his license in November last year. He appealed against the suspension before the FDA Commissioner in Mumbai. The Commissioner heard the arguments of both the parties and directed the fast food restaurant chain to They can’t use the word ‘cheese’ in the name of their product if they’re not using real cheese,” he said.

In the order, FDA Commissioner Abhimanyu Kale directed McDonald’s to modify its labeling and tag products as “Cheese Analogue Nuggets” or “Non-Dairy Cheese Nuggets” in a font size and color that is easily visible. And be different from regular cheese products.

The order also required outlets to list the ingredients on packaging, ensuring that the words cheese analog or non-dairy cheese are prominently displayed.

McDonald’s was further required to keep customers informed about the use of cheese analogs in certain products through signage, handouts, and explanations about the reasons for using cheese analogs.

In its compliance report, the US company said it had amended the label, Bede said. “Upon receipt of their compliance report, it was decided to revoke the suspension and they have been allowed to resume business as before,” Bade said.

Hardcastle Restaurants, a subsidiary of Westlife Foodworld Ltd, which has the franchise rights to own and operate McDonald’s restaurants in the west and south markets of India, said in its compliance report to the FDA that it has changed the name of some products by removing the word ‘Paneer’. Have given. ,

It includes cheese in the form of Cheesy Nuggets (now Veg Nuggets), Mac Cheese Veg Burger (now Cheddar Delight Veg Burger), Mac Cheese Veg Non-Veg Burger (Cheddar Delight Non-Veg Burger), Corn and Cheese Burger (American Veg Burger). Has been listed. Grilled Chicken and Cheese Burger (American Non Veg-Burger), Blueberry Cheese Cake (Blueberry Cake), Cheesy Italian Veg Burger (Italian Veg Burger) and Cheesy Italian Chicken Burger (now Italian Chicken Burger).

Meanwhile, Hardcastle Restaurants said Friday that it is in talks with “competent authorities” over the FDA matter.

A statement from McDonald’s India (West and South) said, “We are actively engaged with the competent authorities on this issue and await their final clarification. We have always adhered to stringent food standards and are fully compliant with all applicable food laws.” by Westlife Foodworld on BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange).

The statement said, “Amid recent reports of removal of ‘cheese’ from our menus at McDonald’s locations in Maharashtra, we would like to assure our valued customers that all our cheese-containing products contain only genuine, high-quality cheese.” is used to.”

It further added, “Collaborating with suppliers that adhere to global standards ensures top quality cheese in our product offering and not cheese analogs or any substitutes.” “Our commitment to transparency in our ingredients and dedication to providing delicious, high-quality food to our customers remains unwavering,” McDonald’s India (West and South) said.

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