In addition to raising prices, McDonald's removes tomatoes from its burgers

 

In many locations across India, the fast food restaurant company McDonald's has decided to stop serving tomatoes on its burgers and wraps. The decision was made at a time when the nation is experiencing supply problems and worries about the quality of tomatoes, whose prices have risen to all-time highs.

Wholesale tomato prices in some areas have increased by almost 300% in a month, hitting Rs 160 per kilogram this week. Many customers are cutting back on tomato consumption as retail costs continue to rise.

The increase in tomato prices has been attributed by the government to production shortfalls following a stretch of heatwaves and monsoon rains. The issue has gotten worse due to inconsistent supply and delivery, which has also affected the costs of various other crops.

Two McDonald's restaurants in New Delhi, the nation's capital, had posters displayed that said, "Despite our best efforts, we are not able to get adequate quantities of tomatoes that pass our stringent quality checks." McDonald's locations have also posted similar advisories in Noida.

We must sell you products without tomatoes because of this.

McDonald's attributes poor quality

However, McDonald's has cited product quality issues as the reason for its decision to remove tomatoes from menu items like burgers and wraps. Conaught Plaza Restaurants, a McDonald's franchisee in India's north and east with over 150 locations, explained the choice in a media statement as being caused by "temporary" seasonal problems.

There were "no serious tomato-related issues," according to Westlife Foodworld, the McDonald's franchisee for India's western and southern regions.

Tomato prices have risen significantly over the previous several days all over the nation, with prices hitting Rs 160 per kg in big cities like Mumbai and Kolkata. Prices have increased by approximately 300% in other cities as well. Tomatoes can be purchased at retail for Rs 250 per kg in various areas of Uttarakhand.

Prior to gradually declining, the rising trend in tomato prices is anticipated to last until mid-August.