Jaipur Dialogues Is Your Fast-Food Consuming You? – A ‘Cheesy’ McDonald’s Scandal

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Shruti Dasgupta

Guest
A McDonald’s ‘cheesy’ scandal came to light from Maharashtra in October 2023. The FDA raids in Ahmednagar and Kedgaon saw several health violations. This discovery gave birth to a saga of notices and responses between the FDA and McDonald’s India. The fast food industry rakes in millions via sales in Bharat. The modern Sanatani prefers a quick fix by these consumeristic giants to a traditional gastronomically delightful meal.

Recently, the Maharashtra FDA took a firm stance to crack down on this fast-food giant! The branches in question lost their right to sell till they upgraded their labels. The most objectionable ingredient was cheese or the lack thereof! Let’s talk about the alleged cheesy deception by McDonald’s that leaves consumers questioning the integrity of their favorite burgers and nuggets. How does the FDA’s action highlight potential health risks associated with fast food consumption?

McDonald’s India Struck By A ‘Cheesy’ Scandal

Fake cheese found in McDonald's burgers - PGurus

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Reports state that FDA’s investigation uncovered that McDonald’s was using substitute analogues instead of real cheese in their burgers and nuggets. This discovery led to the temporary suspension of a franchise outlet in Ahmednagar. Cheese alternatives or cheese analogues are substances designed to mimic the taste and texture of traditional dairy cheese. They are the more cost-effective vegetable oil derivatives used instead of dairy fat products. The FDA’s investigations revealed that these substitutes were allegedly used in several items like Cheesy Nuggets, Cheesy Burger, etc.

Allegedly, fast food made with these ‘cheesy’ alternatives was sold without proper disclosure on food labels or display boards.

Thus, it seems McDonald’s was misleading its consumers into believing they were consuming real cheese.
McDonald’s removes ‘cheese’ from its Maharashtra outlet menus. pic.twitter.com/aWL2eoPw7k

— Marketing Maverick (@MarketingMvrick) February 23, 2024


Reportedly, FDA Commissioner Abhimanyu Kale emphasized the necessity for clear labeling and displaying nutritional information. His suggestion aims to prevent deceptive practices where a consumer would buy a ‘cheesy’ product but served a vegetable alternative instead! He highlighted that consumers of fast food should have complete access to accurate information about the food they consume. The FDA’s crackdown on McDonald’s underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the fast food industry. Currently, McDonald’s India states that the food in their outlets is not made with cheese analogues. However, the FDA’s raids and the subsequently changed names on the display board hint at a ‘cheesy’ scandal at hand!

The Dangers of Western Fast Food


This incident with Maharashtra’s McDonald’s is a prime example of Western fast-food practices. Their quick ready-made foods have a detrimental effect on consumer health. As Western-style fast food chains continue to expand globally, they bring along with them a host of health concerns. The rising cases of high lipid profiles, obesity, hypertension, heart issues, and many other diseases can be directly linked to the popularity of fast food in Bharat. Western fast-food giants rely on processed ingredients, excessive salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Thus, repeated consumption of Western fast food, like a cheeseburger from McDonald’s, can lead to a fast declining health for modern Sanatanis. Therefore, it will not be a big step to state that Bharat’s falling health index is directly proportional to the rising number of Western fast-food stores!

Indian Food Diet: The Power Of Traditional Indian Food And Its Many Health Benefits

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As the cradle of civilization, Bharat’s food made by Sanatani processes is aimed to uplift health as well as spirit. Rooted in Ayurvedic principles and ancient wisdom, traditional Indian food is undoubtedly a healthier alternative. The everyday meals cooked in a Sanatani kitchen are not just made with mother’s love! They are a testament to centuries of practices that balance nutritional requirements, taste palette, and natural ingredients. Sanatani home food promotes physical and mental health as well as spiritual well-being.

Thus, traditional Indian meals, incorporating a variety of spices, herbs, and fresh local ingredients, ensure not only enhanced flavor but also numerous health benefits.

Vedic texts on Ayurveda include many sections on health, process of cooking, and nutrition. Even texts like Rig Veda and Sama Veda have shloka dedicated to the importance of good cooking methodology and healthy ingredients. Ancient Indian texts on diet and nutrition, advocate for a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and plant-based proteins. These texts emphasize the importance of eating seasonally and locally available foos items. Therefore, Sanatana Bharat was always aligned with the modern principles of Sustainable and Mindful eating.

Choose Health, Choose Tradition

Is Indian Food Healthy? - Sukhi's

PC Sukhi’s Gourmet Indian Foods

The ‘cheesy’ McDonald’s scandal should serve as a wake-up call for Bharat’s modern consumers of fast food. It must prompt them to reevaluate their food choices and prioritize their health before artificially enhanced flavors. While fast food may offer convenience and affordability, the actual price its consumer pays is health and well-being. By embracing traditional Indian food and its holistic approach to health, Sanatanis can nourish their bodies as well as support local farm produce!

Sanatanis should reject the allure of fast food chains and their deceptive marketing tactics. Instead, they should choose healthy and traditional meals. By choosing tradition and health over fast food, Sanatanis will not only honor Bharat’s culinary heritage but will also save it from extinction in the wake of easy, unhealthy meal alternatives. Let us all embrace the wisdom of Ayurveda and traditions to reclaim control over our health and food. Let us all vow to choose a traditionally balanced food, one meal at a time!

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