McDonald's Canada (NYSE:MCD) says it will import beef as Canada's beef supply chain struggles to meet current demand amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The restaurant chain, which prides itself on "using only Canadian beef," said in a written statement that its change in policy is due to limited processing capacity at Canadian suppliers, such as a Cargill Inc. plant near High River, Alberta.
Cargill has shut down operations at its High River plant after a worker died from COVID-19 and hundreds of other employees tested positive for coronavirus.
McDonald's said it will start sourcing beef from its pre-approved suppliers and facilities outside of Canada effective immediately. However, it will continue to buy as much Canadian beef as possible and supplement with imports.
The company said it is also temporarily removing its Angus beef burgers from menus in Canada, although restaurants will continue to sell them until supplies run out.
