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Why McDonald's thinks eating at its outlets may be dangerous for you

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DailyBite
DailyBiteDec 29, 2017 | 21:22

Why McDonald's thinks eating at its outlets may be dangerous for you

McDonald's is clueless about what is being served in its outlets across India. The American fast food chain has warned that there are "serious compliance risks" that have a direct bearing on food quality and safety at its restaurants in north and east India.

The statement is the latest salvo from McDonald's in its bitter feud with local partner Connaught Plaza Restaurants (CPRL), which ran 169 McDonald's outlets in north and east India. The legal tussle led to the shutting down of about 84 outlets in India in August this year after the fast food chain barred CPRL from using its brand name, trademark, designs, and food recipes in a fight over the terms of their partnership.

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CPRL has, however, continued to run 85 outlets in north and east India.

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A McDonald's India spokesperson said: "Since the termination of the franchise agreements, McDonald's India (MPIL) has not been able to verify if the unauthorised McDonald's restaurants operated by CPRL are complying with applicable McDonald's standards, including those pertaining to supplies, operations and safety standards and quality required for McDonald's products."

MPIL has called for immediate closure of all outlets.

CPRL, meanwhile, was quick to hit back. The firm's managing director Vikram Bakshi questioned McDonald's commitment to safety and hygiene. He blamed the fast-food chain for not paying any heed to CPRL in the past, when it tried to bring the hygiene issue to their notice. "It is indeed ironic that the conscience of McDonald's has suddenly awakened to quality and food safety in India," Bakshi said.

"It appears that McDonald's have global standards for food safety and supplies, and they have a very different set of standards for countries like ours which is a clear double standard," he added.

The latest round of salvos started earlier this week after CPRL's logistics partner Radhakrishna Foodland stopped the supply that led to the shutdown of all McDonald's outlets in east India.

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Bakshi blamed McDonald's for the "abrupt supply disruptions" and partnered with a new logistics vendor ColdEX.

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MIPL has alleged that "using unapproved vendors for the supply chain is creating serious compliance risks to McDonald's standards for food quality and safety".

Radhakrishna Foodland, on its part, has cited reduction in volume and non-payment of certain dues for its move. Bakshi has alleged that the move is pre-planned and initiated in collusion with MPIL.

The genesis

The actual tussle between McDonald's and Bakshi began in 2013 after the fast-food giant removed him as the managing director of CPRL. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), however, reinstated Bakshi. More importantly, NCLT directed McDonald's to not interfere in the functioning of CPRL.

McDonald's subsequently terminated the franchise agreement of 169 outlets. The two parties are slugging it out at various forums including NCLT and the Delhi High Court.

Meanwhile, it seems those fighting the craving for junk food will have the last laugh in this slugfest.

Last updated: December 29, 2017 | 21:22
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