McDonald’s, KFC, Subway, Tsui Wah named by Hong Kong Consumer Council in push to stop sourcing meat with antibiotics
McDonald’s and Cafe de Coral among nine chains targeted in watchdog’s campaign triggered by public health fears
International fast-food chain McDonald’s and listed company Cafe de Coral are among nine restaurant groups targeted by the city’s consumer watchdog in its latest campaign to tackle a major public health risk caused by the use of meat from animals fed by growth-promoting antibiotics.
In a statement published on the Consumer Council’s website, the watchdog said it had written to nine restaurant chains to inquire about their policies on the use of such meat.
It further urged the companies to set a timetable to stop sourcing meat and poultry from animals that were routinely fattened by the supplements. The request came in an effort to halt the spread of deadly, antibiotic-resistant bacteria posing serious health hazards.
READ MORE: Has your meat been on drugs? Hong Kong’s Consumer Council pushes restaurants to stop sourcing animals fattened on hormone supplements
The full list of chains targeted are: McDonald’s, KFC, Subway, Yoshinoya, Cafe de Coral, Fairwood, Maxim’s, Tai Hing and Tsui Wah.
Together the chains oversee more than 800 outlets across the city, according to the council.
The watchdog suggested the firms publicise details of their antibiotic-free production policy and that implementation be audited by an independent third party.
In a reply to the Post, Tsui Wah Group, which runs 35 outlets in the city, said the company was looking into the matter.
Local fast-food giant Cafe de Coral confirmed its receipt of the council’s letter and would exchange views with the watchdog on the issue.
READ MORE: McDonald’s misled Hong Kong food safety authority about rotten meat, says official
Meanwhile, diverse opinions were found on the internet regarding the impact of using antibiotics in livestock production.
Internet user “Ali G” questioned whether antibiotics were really used to promote animal growth, while “Beaker” said: “What short-sighted stupidity, for sake of profit to create resistant superbugs.”
Council chief executive Gilly Wong Fung-han said the watchdog would give the restaurants some time to implement changes.
