The FDA has taken action against the fast-food titan McDonald’s, alleging deceptive practices related to the substitution of real cheese with alternatives in burgers and nuggets, according to a TOI report. Consequently, the FDA has revoked the license of a McDonald’s branch in Ahmednagar, prompting the removal of the term “cheese” from several menu items. The regulatory body asserts that McDonald’s utilized cheese analogs without adequate disclosure, thereby misleading consumers regarding the authenticity of the cheese. Additionally, the state FDA has urged the chain to enforce corrective measures statewide and potentially nationwide.
Cheese analogs are designed to replicate the taste and texture of traditional dairy cheese, substituting dairy fat with more cost-effective vegetable oil. The FDA claims that McDonald’s failed to disclose the use of cheese analogs on food labels or electronic display boards, potentially posing health risks to consumers.
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FDA commissioner Abhimanyu Kale said, “During inspection, our officers did not find any mention of cheese analogues anywhere. Items like ‘cheese nuggets’, ‘cheesy dip’, and ‘cheese burger’ were being labelled as such without indicating that the cheese was a substitute,” he said. “Most other fast food pizza and burger joints could be indulging in the same practice. We plan to investigate these chains as well.”
During an inspection in October, it was discovered that a McDonald’s branch in Ahmednagar had at least eight items containing cheese analogs. Despite McDonald’s disputing the action taken, the outlet’s license was suspended due to an inadequate explanation. In December, McDonald’s communicated with the FDA, stating that they had renamed the products by eliminating the word “cheese.” However, the FDA is advocating for broader investigations into similar practices by other fast-food chains.
As per TOI report, McDonald’s has now denied using substitutes. “…we want to reassure customers that we use only real, quality cheese in all our products,” a spokesperson said.
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