Westlife Foodworld, the operator of McDonald’s establishments in western and southern India, has changed the names of eight items following the suspension of its Ahmednagar outlet’s license by the Maharashtra Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA alleged that the fast-food chain had substituted real cheese with alternatives in its burgers and nuggets.
The outlet’s license was suspended in November, and a suspension order was subsequently issued, prompting the chain to remove the word “cheese” from various items on the menu.
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The names of several menu items have been altered: Cheesy Nuggets are now Veg Nuggets, Mc Cheese Veg Burger is now Cheddar Delight Veg Burger, McCheese Non-Veg Burger has become Cheddar Delight Non-Veg Burger, Corn & Cheeseburger is now American Veg Burger, Grilled Chicken and Cheeseburger is now American Non-Veg Burger, Blueberry Cheesecake is now Blueberry cake, Cheese Italian Veg Burger is now Italian Veg Burger, and Cheese Italian Chicken Burger is now Italian Chicken Burger.
These modifications have been implemented within the past month across all of its stores in Maharashtra.
As per a Maharashtra FDA source, routine inspections are currently underway at other quick-service restaurant outlets, and a comprehensive report will be submitted to the authorities in due course.
In a stock exchange filing, Westlife Foodworld said, “Amid recent reports about the removal of ‘cheese’ from our menu at McDonald’s locations in Maharashtra, we want to assure our valued customers that only genuine, high-quality cheese is used in all our cheese-containing products.”
“We are actively engaging with the competent authorities on this issue and awaiting their final clarification. We have always been adhering to stringent food standards and are fully compliant with all applicable food laws. Our commitment to transparency in our ingredients and dedication to providing delicious, high-quality meals to our customers remain unwavering,” it said.
Saurabh Kalra, Managing Director of Westlife Foodworld, stated that the issue arose during the October-December quarter, and the Ahmednagar outlet is still in operation.
“We have changed the name of our products which have cheese a month ago and we are working with the authorities and with FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India). From our standpoint, we are in the right, but to make sure the business is continuing we have changed the name of our products from the Maharashtra FDA standpoint,” Kalra said.
Westlife Development is awaiting confirmation from the FSSAI and will subsequently revert to the state FDA.
“We are a global player and source from the best suppliers,” Kalra said, rejecting claims that the company uses vegetable oil-based cheese.
The company has opted to label certain products as “Cheddar Delight” in accordance with the type of cheese used. Furthermore, it anticipates no additional issues at its other outlets, having already adjusted the names of cheese-containing food items to adhere to the updated regulations.
“We are abiding by all the rules and norms by the government,” Kalra added.
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