McDonald's Suspends Shrimp Burger Sales in Taiwan and Hong Kong Over Antibiotic Concerns
2 sources across 2 countries · Hong Kong · Taiwan
Who reported this
- South China Morning Post
- Focus Taiwan
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- Centre-left
- Centre
- Centre-right
- Right
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McDonald's Taiwan has suspended the sale of its newly launched Sea Flavor Shrimp Cutlet Burger and Sea Flavor Double-Layered Shrimp Cutlet Burger after banned antibiotics were detected in the shrimp cutlets. The suspension began at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, one day after the products were launched. An importer notified the company that self-testing detected 0.7 parts per billion of nitrofurans and their metabolites, despite suppliers providing certified documents for the ingredients.
Nitrofurans are a class of synthetic, broad-spectrum antibiotics banned in many countries, including Taiwan, due to potential carcinogenic effects. Yen Tzung-hai, director of the Clinical Poison Center at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, noted that exposure could trigger allergic reactions such as hives, particularly in people with antibiotic allergies. McDonald's Taiwan apologized and stated it would refund customers who purchased the burgers on Wednesday or Thursday morning, with refund procedures expected within one week.
Following the events in Taiwan, McDonald's Hong Kong temporarily removed its Ebi Burger series from its menu. The company described this as a precautionary measure to address potential public concern, even though the shrimp patties used in Hong Kong came from a different production batch.
How each side framed it
- Centre
- The report focused on the specific health risks of nitrofurans and the detailed refund process in Taiwan.
- Centre-right
- The report emphasized the precautionary nature of the Hong Kong suspension and the distinction between the production batches used in different regions.
Sources
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