Better consumer protection in Russia has temporarily closed four McDonald’s restaurants in Moscow as part of an eating habits survey.
The watchdog Rospotrebnadzor said the restaurants violated “many” health laws.
McDonald’s said it had investigated the complaints, adding that “providing safe, high-quality products is a priority.”
The agency also announced checks at McDonald’s in the Urals in central Russia, the Itar-Tass news agency reported.
The closure of Moscow and the unscheduled control of the Urals can be seen in the face of mounting tensions between Russia and the West due to the crisis in Ukraine.
Previously, when diplomatic tensions were high, the regulator, according to BBC BBC correspondent Daniel Sandford, banned controversial products such as Georgian wine, Ukrainian cheese, and Polish apples.
Earlier this month, in response to sanctions against Ukraine, Russia imposed a “total embargo” on food imports from the EU, the United States, and other Western countries.
Regulatory measures in Moscow and the Urals are part of an ongoing investigation into McDonald’s food standards in Russia.
An Unexpected Decision
In July, the director filed a complaint in Moscow asking the restaurant chain to recall certain products.
McDonald’s released the statement regarding restaurants in Pushkin Square, Manezh Square and Prospect Mira in Moscow were closed for some time and they are striving to reopen these restaurants at the earliest.
We will continue to provide the best services to the people and also we will make each and every attempt to be the priority of the people in Russia.
Quentin Peel, a former head of the Moscow Financial Times office, told the BBC that the checks and closings were “propaganda.”
McDonald’s opened in Moscow 24 years ago and is considered a symbol of Western capitalism in Russia, Peel said.
McDonald’s has been working too well in Russia. There is no surprise that they are the first choice of people when it comes to enjoying burgers in Russia. People of Russia just love spending time on the premises of the McDonald’s.
Today, there are more than 300 stores of McDonald’s in Russia and the food products of McDonald’s are loved by people all over the country. Millions of people are serving the McDonald’s and thus helping it to be better every day.
