Restaurants of fast food chain McDonald’s have dropped tomatoes from their burgers and wraps in many parts of India, hit by supply shortages and quality concerns after the vegetable prices soared to records. In some regions, wholesale prices of the staple of traditional Indian cuisine have surged 288% in a month to a high of 140 rupees ($1.7) a kg on Friday, with retail prices still higher, spurring many people to cut back on consumption.
Tomatoes are a vital component of many popular dishes in India, which is home to a large number of different cuisines. The government blames the higher prices on a lean production season when monsoon rains disrupt transport and distribution. Still, it comes after consumers have battled rising prices of items ranging from milk to spices in recent months.
In a statement, the US-based McDonald’s said it had decided to remove tomatoes from its menu in some of its restaurants in north and east India until supplies stabilized. “This is a seasonal issue, and we are working hard to reintroduce the item as soon as possible,” it said. The company said it provided customers with alternatives, including lettuce, onions, and pickles. It has also refreshed its menu boards, tray mats, and packaging to reflect a simple, modern brand identity. It has also introduced Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood utensils to support its commitment to sustainability, it said.
Some affected outlets posted notices explaining why they no longer served the vegetable. The restaurants continued offering products such as McAloo, Chicken McGrill and Gilled Chicken Wrap, and the Maaza beverage.
The move has surprised many people in a country where tomatoes have been a staple of daily life for generations. It has prompted a spate of online memes that ridicule the high prices, with one joke showing that buying tomatoes is more expensive than petrol and diesel.
Tomato prices have risen to record levels across the country. A kilogram of the red fruit was selling for 96 rupees in New Delhi on Thursday, compared with 22 rupees at the start of this year.
In Pakistan, the price of tomatoes is also at a record level, with imports being restricted to just a few traders by the government. According to local media reports, the higher demand and restraining measures are pushing up the prices.
Insects, heat, and unseasonal rains damage tomato crops in the region. The prices of other vegetables have also jumped due to the same factors, raising fears of inflationary pressures for the country’s central bank. Traders blame the high prices on a lack of supply and a government policy restricting the commodity’s export and import to prevent hoarding. The situation could ease in the coming days as the weather improves and more stocks arrive. The price of the popular crop is expected to normalize in the next 15 days. The soaring prices have also triggered complaints from consumer groups, and the government has sought to calm public concerns.
