How One of the Worlds Biggest Fast-Food Chains Were Almost Taken Out By a McNugget

McDonald’s was fried 2014 over a massive food safety scandal in China. One of their suppliers, Shanghai Husi Food Co., was found to be using expired meat and covering it up by falsifying dates. A hidden camera exposed the whole thing, capturing not just this but also the employees, ignoring basic safety procedures.

When this footage hit the media, there was immediate fallout. #’s were spreading like wildfire, with #McDonaldsScandal trending. This caused a major nosedive in sales in China and Japan. The media and critics were flabbergasted that such a big brand could let something like consistency and quality slip. The Golden Arches took a major hit to their reputation.

McDonald’s almost had its reputation fried, but with fast action and a grade-A PR team, it was able to turn the situation around.

It Was THEIR Fault

McDonald’s first step was cutting all ties to Shanghai Husi. Then, directly after, it said, “We are appalled by the actions of this supplier. Their behavior is unacceptable and violates everything we stand for. We deeply regret the breach of trust and are committed to making this right.” 

They didn’t try to explain what happened. Still, they addressed it directly and took steps to resolve the cause of the problem, which set the stage for McDonald’s recovery.

Make The Menu Transparent

McDonald’s only path back into the public’s good graces was transparency. They opened up their kitchens and supply chain details to the public. In China specifically, they started allowing factory tours, inviting everyone from customers to journalists to see how their food was made.

McDonald’s didn’t stop there; they continued to ensure the public was reassured about food safety. They started working hand in hand with safety authorities to create stricter and stronger standards. Social media was utilized to share updates surrounding the changes, turning the situation into an opportunity to highlight their improvements.

Action to Rebuild Trust

McDonald’s addressed more than the immediate issues. They launched a thorough campaign to educate people on food safety, share what lessons they learned from the ordeal, and demonstrate their commitment to continued safety and excellence. 

McDonald’s then partnered with local charities in affected areas and provided food to families in need. Goodwill acts like this helped show customers that they weren’t just talking but following through with tangible actions.

The Golden Arches Stand Tall

There was no instant fix to the crisis, but after implementing a thoughtful, authentic recovery strategy, McDonald’s slowly gained back customer trust. Sales came back to normal within the year, and many actually complemented McDonald’s quick response and actions.