McDonald's €10m apology to veggies

national | miscellaneous | news report Thursday June 06, 2002 17:33 by ronald mcd

McDonalds have paid out 10 million Euro to veggies who filed suits over 'vegetarian' chips

McDonald’s has agreed to donate €10m to Hindu and other groups to settle lawsuits filed against the fast food chain for mislabelling chips and hash browns as vegetarian.
The US company also posted an apology on its website, acknowledging that mistakes were made in communicating to customers and the public about the ingredients in the chips and hash browns.
The vegetable oil used to prepare the fries and hash browns was not pure, but contained essence of beef for flavouring purposes. Many Hindus consider cows sacred and do not eat beef.
‘‘We regret we did not provide these customers with complete information, and we sincerely apologise for any hardship that these miscommunications have caused among Hindus, vegetarians and others,’’ the company said.
‘‘We should have done a better job in these areas, and we’re committed to doing a better job in the future.’’
McDonald’s says it has consumer dietary practices that will advise them on relevant dietary restrictions and guidelines.
McDonald’s spokeswoman Anna Rozenich said the money will go to organisations that deal with issues closely linked to concerns raised by the consumers.
‘‘We are pleased to put this behind us,’’ she added.
McDonald's was first sued over the chips in Seattle last year by three vegetarians, including two Hindus. Lawsuits were subsequently filed in Illinois, California, New Jersey and Texas.