Foodies Beware: CAIT Calls For Nationwide McDonald's Ban Amid 'Cheesy' Controversy

In the wake of alleged health violations at a McDonald's outlet in Ahmednagar, the Centre has been urged by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) to ban the American fast food giant across India.

The demand is substantiated by the body, reasoning that the "egregious act (of McDonald's) not only constitutes a serious offence but also poses a significant health hazard to consumers."

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Nationwide McDonald's Ban Coming Soon?

The outlet's license was suspended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for using cheese analogues instead of real cheese. Prompted by this action, McDonald's has removed the word "cheese" from various items. A letter was written to Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh by CAIT national president B C Bhartia and Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal, stating, "Maharashtra FDA has uncovered a grave health violation at a McDonald's outlet in Ahmednagar, where counterfeit cheese was found in the burgers. In light of this alarming discovery, the CAIT urgently calls upon the Government of India to take immediate action to ban McDonald's operations across the country."

A copy of the letter was also sent to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. The CAIT also demanded a "thorough investigation into the matter to uncover the extent of the issue and hold parties responsible for endangering public health and safety accountable".

FDA Commissioner Abhimanyu Kale mentioned that inspections will be conducted at all McDonald's outlets across Maharashtra to ensure they are not using cheese substitutes. He added that other pizza and burger joints will also be checked as they might also be indulging in the same practice.

Cheese analogues, designed to replicate the taste, texture, and functionality of traditional dairy cheese, typically replace milk or dairy fat with more cost-effective vegetable oil. During the inspection at Ahmednagar's McDonald's outlet, it was found that the use of cheese analogues in items like cheese nuggets, cheesy dip, and cheeseburger was not specified.

Kale later issued an order, emphasizing the necessity for clear labelling and using font size and colours distinguishable from regular cheese. Additionally, he insisted on the display of nutritional information for products made with substitutes.

Up to 40% of display boards in establishments should be used to specify nutritional values. "Menu cards should clearly state the use of analogues, addressing allergen concerns, and diet concerns such as the presence of higher trans-fat," he said.