New Delhi (TIP)- Fast food chain McDonald’s has made the decision to remove tomatoes from its burgers and wraps in various locations across India. The move comes as the country experiences supply shortages and concerns over the quality of tomatoes, which have reached record-high prices. In certain regions, wholesale prices of tomatoes have surged by over 300% within a month, reaching Rs 160 rupees per kilogram this week.
Retail prices remain even higher, causing many consumers to reduce their tomato consumption.
The government has blamed higher tomato prices on production shortages after a period of heatwaves, followed by monsoon rains. Erratic distribution and supply have made the situation worse and it has also impacted the prices of several other vegetables.
“Despite our best efforts, we are not able to get adequate quantities of tomatoes which pass our stringent quality checks,” read notices posted in two McDonald’s stores in New Delhi, the capital. In Noida, too, McDonald’s outlets have put up similar notices.
“We are forced to serve you products without tomatoes.”
McDonald’s, however, has cited quality issues behind its decision to take tomatoes off menu items like burgers and wraps.
In a media statement, Conaught Plaza Restaurants, which runs around 150 outlets as McDonald’s franchisee in India’s north and eastern regions, said the decision was due to “temporary” seasonal issues.
Meanwhile, Westlife Foodworld, the McDonald’s franchisee for India’s western and southern regions, said there were “no serious tomato-related issues”.
Over the past few days, tomato prices have seen a sharp increase across the country, with rates reaching Rs 160 per kg in major cities like Mumbai and Kolkata. In other cities, too, prices have seen a nearly 300 per cent increase. In some parts of Uttarakhand, tomatoes are retailing at Rs 250 per kg.
Tag: McDonald’s
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McDonald’s drops tomatoes from burgers, cites ‘quality concerns’ amid price rise
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AIA Celebrates Diwali on a luxury boat
NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Undaunted by the COVID-19, AIA NY celebrated on Sunday October 4th 2020, the 33rd Deepavli festival event at Hudson river in front of South Street Seaport, NYC on a luxury boat with AIA sponsors, media partners and AIA executive members.
Due to Coronavirus (COVID 19) there were very limited number of invited guests for this event. For the last 32 years, Association of Indians in America (AIA), New York chapter has organized Deepavali festival with sparkling fireworks, classical fusion performances, fashion show, vegan expo, fun-filled children’s activities and booths with a variety of fine cuisine, handicrafts and gift items along with rich and varied works of contemporary Indian artists at South Street Seaport.
According to Harish Thakkar, President of AIA- NY chapter, Deepavali festival is one of the landmark events of AIA-NY chapter, enjoyed by over 50,000 New Yorkers every year since 1987. Considered by far the largest attraction for Indian Americans from all over the tri-state, Deepavali festival celebrates the tradition of a faraway land in a new world. This celebration has itself become a tradition that unites New York in a world of myths and colors.
AIA is a grass-roots national organization of Asian-immigrants in the U.S with chapters and membership spread across the nation. It was founded on August 20th, 1967. The New York Chapter was established in 1968 and is well known for its social, cultural and educational activities. AIA represents the hopes and aspirations of those immigrants who are united by their common Indian heritage and American commitment.
AIA is thankful to its supporters like CheapOair and Qatar Airways, McDonald’s, New York Life, ICICI Bank, all media partners, Sony Entertainment, ITV Gold, TV Asia, Jus Punjabi, South Asian Times, Desi Talk, Indian Panorama, Indian Express and Hum Hindustani “We are grateful to all our sponsors who made this festival a big success for many years” AIA president Harish Thakkar said.