DDRESSED like a Ninja” was the thought many of us had as we looked at each other before stepping into the food production plant of McDonald’s Malaysia’s main supplier.
To highlight the enormous care it places in ensuring food quality and safety, the fast food chain invited members of the media to the facility of its main supplier, MacFood Services Sdn Bhd in Subang.
The precautionary measures required for all visitors to the plant spoke volumes. Our temperature was taken and we were asked to sign a declaration form. Before entering the plant, we were covered from head to toe to prevent contamination, in addition to going through a series of sanitary procedures.
We were brought to the nugget processing line which revealed the company’s stringent practices.
The line comprises 16 steps from raw material collection to distribution, including batching, frying, freezing and inspections before and after packing.
We also visited the Micro Lab where samples of ingredients are tested constantly to prevent possible contamination, as well as the kitchen where the real cooking processes at the restaurants are simulated for consistency.
McDonald’s Malaysia managing director Stephen Chew said the company was particularly proud of its commitment to food quality and safety, adding that more than 13 million customers visit its 250 restaurants nationwide, every month.
“All our suppliers and restaurant staff follow rigorous food quality and safety guidelines on a day-to-day basis to ensure that our customers are only served the best.
“And here in Malaysia, we’re also committed to upholding our halal certification by strictly adhering to all halal requirements,” he said.
He highlighted that McDonald’s uses only the freshest ingredients in its meals.
“McDonald’s works with trusted suppliers who meet its high standards. For example, only 100% beef with no fillers or additives, fresh chicken meat and wholesome fish fillets are used for our burgers.
“The buns are baked locally and delivered fresh to the restaurants. Potatoes are specially grown in selected farms around the world to make the famous McDonald’s French fries,” he said.
MacFood Services is ISO9001:2008 certified and has been awarded the Veterinary Health Mark by the Veterinary Services Department.
The food also goes through third-party audits and extra rounds of tests every day.
At the distribution centre, ingredients are tested to meet the right physical standards for freshness and quality.
At every restaurant, quality inspection is done again and the ingredients are stored in special walk-in chillers and freezers.
Chew said McDonald’s was the first quick service restaurant (QSR) chain in Malaysia to receive the halal certification from the Islamic Development Department (Jakim).
MacFood Services also exports its protein products to several Middle East countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
“In a nutshell, quality, safety and the halal aspects of our food are the most important aspects on our menu.
“As such, our customers can have confidence in our products and are assured that McDonald’s is a brand they can trust,” he said.
