FSSAI confirms 100% real cheese in McDonald’s India amid quality assurance

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the nation's apex regulator for food safety standards under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, has verified the authenticity of the cheese utilized by McDonald’s India. This verification, as disclosed in a BSE filing by Westlife Foodworld, confirms that McDonald’s India indeed uses '100% real cheese', as claimed by the brand. The FSSAI's confirmation further asserts that McDonald’s India does not incorporate any cheese analogues or substitutes in its products. This assurance from FSSAI solidifies McDonald’s India's commitment to maintaining high food quality standards across its restaurants. Notably, recent reports indicated the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) actions against a McDonald’s outlet in Ahmednagar district for using cheese substitutes without proper disclosure to consumers.

Established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the FSSAI is empowered as the apex regulator concerning food laws and standards in India. It formulates and enforces food regulations and standards applicable nationwide, binding on both food businesses and authorities at various levels. Additionally, McDonald’s India (W&S) has received test results from a National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accredited lab, further confirming the use of '100% real cheese' across its product range.