CPRL has new distribution partner, says Bakshi

NEW DELHI: McDonald ’s on Thursday warned its customers that they face potential health hazard while eating at its branded outlets run by Connaught Plaza Restaurants CPRL ) in north and east India.The ingredients used at the restaurants were not in line with the chain’s global standards, a McDonald’s India spokesperson said, adding that they need to be shut. CPRL, McDonald’s estranged joint-venture partner, operates 160 eateries in east and north, 84 of which were shut down earlier this week.The 84 outlets were closed due to CPRL’s logistics partner Radhakrishna Foodland discontinuing its services over alleged non-payment of dues.“Since the termination of the franchise agreements, McDonald’s India has notbeen able to verify if the unauthorized McDonald’s restaurants operated by CPRL are complying with applicable McDonald’s standards, including those pertaining to supplies, operations and safety standards and quality required for McDonald’s products,” a McDonald’s India spokesperson said.CPRL is locked in a bitter legal battle with McDonald’s and had been slapped with termination notice of its franchise agreement by the burger giant in August. But it chose to keep the restaurants open despite several suppliers pulling out subsequently.In response to McDonald’s allegation, MD of CPRL, Vikram Bakshi , said the firm has zeroed in on a new distribution partner, which is larger than Radhakrishna Foodland. “The logistics partner, ColdEX, has been chosen very carefully by the CPRL team after thorough due diligence,” he said. “ColdEXisthe national distribution partner to Starbucks, KFC, Pizza Hut, Burger King, Wendy’s and Carl’s Jr and funded by ACP, the front arm of ADB, ORIX and Robeco.”But before Bakshi disclosed the name the newlogistics partner to keep the eateries running, McDonald’s had issued a warning saying: “The unknown distribution centre is not approved to supply within the McDonald’s System,” the spokesperson said.Bakshi, who started his career in the real estate sector questioned the American chain’s commitment to safety and hygiene. “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, CPRLhas been bringing to their attention, including their CEO Steve Easterbrook, issues of the same, without extracting a single response or visit from them.”He also accusedMcDonald’s brassof skipping allboard meetings “in person” during “this period and to date”, adding that the international food major adopted different standards for countries such as India. “Clear double standards and unacceptable!” hesaid.