Can't verify standards at CPRL outlets: McDonald's

The Economic Times
December 29, 2017 
NEW DELHI

McDonald's India (MIPL) said that it has not been able to verify if the McDonald's restaurants operated by Connaught Plaza Restaurants (CPRL) in North and East India are complying with applicable standards of the firm or not, adding that these restaurants need to be closed immediately. 

Vikram Bakshi, CPRL's managing director, alleged that the American fast food giant seemingly has "double standards" when it comes to food safety and supplies for "third world countries like ours", compared with developed nations. 

"Food quality and safety are affected by all facets of the supply chain, from raw material sourcing and production to manufacturing to restaurant handling and preparation. Transportation and storage are critical links in the process. The unknown distribution centre is not approved to supply within the McDonald's system," MIPL said in response to recent reports about CPRL reopening outlets and using an unknown distribution centre. 

Bakshi, however, said, "It is indeed ironic that the conscience of McDonald's has suddenly awakened to quality and food safety in India, when for the past four years, since 2013, CPRL has been bringing to their attention, including their CEO, Steve Easterbrook, issues of the same, without extracting a single response or visit from them.

He alleged that the two foreign non-resident nominee directors of McDonald's on the board of CPRL abdicated their responsibilities towards CPRL by choosing to abandon the ship years ago. 

"Food safety issues across the supply chain, that were brought onto agenda items by CPRL, languished for want of attention," he added. 

"Using unapproved vendors for the supply chain is creating serious compliance risks to McDonald's standards for food quality and safety. As an ex-franchisee, CPRL is fully aware of how McDonald's control process works and how important it is..... McDonald's continues to be committed to the highest standards of food safety and quality in India and will continue to work to minimise and eliminate customer concerns," McDonald's said in a statement. 

In August McDonald's terminated the franchise agreement and asked CPRL not to use any more its brand system, trademark, designs and its associated intellectual property, among others. However, most stores remained operational. 


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