Initially, McDonald’s took the step, followed by Subway, and now Burger King has also chosen to eliminate tomatoes from the wraps and burgers served in numerous Indian branches.
“Even tomatoes need a vacation … we are unable to add tomatoes to our food,” two Burger King India outlets have posted these notices, Reuters reported on Wednesday.
As reported by Reuters, the American sandwich chain has gone so far as to discontinue the longstanding practice of providing complimentary cheese slices.
“Why are there no tomatoes in my burgers?” reads a question on the support page of Burger King India’s website. The answer states its Indian franchisee follows “very high standards of quality” and tomatoes will be back soon.
“We request your patience and understanding,” it says.
Last month, due to the escalating costs of vegetables, both McDonald’s and Subway made the decision to remove tomatoes from their burgers, sandwiches, and other menu items.
Read More: McDonald’s in Delhi grapples with tomato crisis, temporarily removes tomatoes from offerings
In certain cities, including the NCR region, the cost of tomatoes has surged nearly eightfold. Retail prices for tomatoes in Delhi now range from INR 170 to INR 200 per kilogram, representing an astonishing increase of over 700% since January 1st.
The significant surge in prices, attributed to supply disruptions resulting from heavy rainfall, has raised apprehension among consumers. This situation has led numerous households to temporarily exclude tomatoes—a vital component in essential Indian cuisine—from their meals.
Fueled by the sharp increase in tomato prices, as well as elevated costs of vegetables and various food products, retail inflation surged to a 15-month peak of 7.44% in July.
As per data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO), the Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based inflation for the food basket stood at 11.51% in July. This marked a substantial increase from 4.55% in the previous month and 6.69% in July 2022.
During July, the yearly inflation rates for various categories were as follows: vegetables basket at 37.44%, spices at 21.63%, pulses and related products at 13.27%, and cereals and their derivatives at 13%.
Amid soaring tomato prices, the government has introduced fresh measures aimed at alleviating the impact on the general public.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has instructed cooperatives like Nafed and NCCF to acquire tomatoes from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. These tomatoes will be distributed in significant consumption hubs.
Read More: Central government takes action to address soaring tomato prices, plans procurement from key states
Also Read: Centre directs NAFED and NCCF to offer tomatoes at INR 50 per kg in retail