McDonald's has removed tomatoes from its menu items in certain parts of India, stating quality concerns arising from seasonal crop issue
McDonald’s restaurants in several locations across India have stopped using tomatoes in their menu. While tomato prices have skyrocketed across retail markets, the global fast-food chain has stated that they will serve offering without tomatoes due to seasonal crop quality concerns.
A Twitter user Aditya D. Shah shared a post revealing that the notice was displayed outside a McDonald’s outlet in Connaught Place, New Delhi. According to the notice in the post, McDonald’s has decided to remove tomatoes from their menu since they do not meet their “world-class, stringent quality checks.” The notice further added the food-chain was working towards bringing back tomatoes to its menu very soon.
🚨Mcdonalds,Delhi put up this notice!
— Aditya Shah (@AdityaD_Shah) July 7, 2023
Even Mcdonalds cannot afford tomatoes now!😂😂 pic.twitter.com/cn1LkoQruf
The increase in tomato prices is a result of supply shortages caused by heatwaves and unforeseen rainfall that have directly affected tomato growth and quality. According to several reports, the prices for tomatoes have surged by 288% in just a month, making the prices soar from Rs. 40/kg to Rs. 160–180/kg in certain regions, making them largely unaffordable for an average low-income household. The North and East regions of India are most affected by this supply shortage.
Recognising the significance of tomatoes as a staple ingredient in Indian cuisine and appreciating the concerns of consumers, a number of state governments have taken steps to ensure the availability of tomatoes at reasonable prices, despite the difficulties posed by climate conditions and price spikes. There has been an increase in the cost of onions, ginger, and chilli peppers, among other staples, as a result of weather-related damage to the crops.
There has been no official word on when the record-high prices of tomatoes in India would begin to drop, but traders and industry analysts are concerned that this trend may continue for some time.
