McDonald’s sees drop in global sales following China meat scandal

Declining sales at McDonald’s in Asia have contributed to total comparable  sales drop of 2.5% in July.

In its latest financial update, the global fast food chain reported a drop in sales in the Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA) region of 7.3%.

Sales also fell in the US - down 3.2% - which the firm put down to "continuing broad-based challenges". 

Europe saw a marginal sales increase of 0.5%, as a result of a strong performance in France and the UK.

Sales took a hit in the APMEA region following the revelations last month about quality and safety issues at a supplier to McDonald’s and other fast food chains, including KFC, in China.

As reported by GlobalMeatNews, allegations were made against Husi Food Co, the Chinese arm of US-based supplier OSI Group, about the re-use of expired raw materials in the production and processing of food after uncover filming was carried out by a local television channel.

Although McDonald’s halted use of products by this company, sales in China, Japan and other markets experience "a significant negative impact", with the affected representing around 10% of its total global sales.

The firm said that as a result, it was undertaking recovery strategies to restore customers’ trust in the brand.

Commenting on the results, Don Thompson, president and chief executive, McDonald’s, said: "Although July’s results were not in-line with McDonald’s expectations, we intend to strengthen our performance by addressing the current business headwinds with the discipline and conviction that inspire our customers’ trust and loyalty."