A credibility crisis may be looming for McDonald's on the mainland, where many consumers are sceptical of a company statement issued to reassure the public about controversial ingredients used in its burgers.
At the centre of the row is 'pink slime', which refers to boneless lean beef trimmings that are left over after all the choice cuts are removed. Pink slime is used for dog and chicken food in Britain, but is legal for human consumption in the United States after it is treated with ammonium hydroxide.
The American fast-food restaurant chain announced early last week, along with its competitors, a decision to remove the ingredient from its hamburgers in the US.
That was followed by a statement from McDonald's China saying local consumers had nothing to worry about - because the material had never been used in China.
'McDonald's China does not use ammonia-treated beef,' the statement said. 'Customers can be assured that McDonald's China uses 100 per cent beef raw materials in its beef patties.
'McDonald's China complies with government requirements and food safety regulations. We also have our own food-safety measures and standards in place throughout our supply chain to help ensure that we serve safe, high-quality food to our customers.'
