Preparations are under way to introduce the Big Mac into Israel, but McDonald’s has insisted that it be allowed to import french fries or have Israeli farmers grow a new strain of potatoes to meet the fast-food company’s strict standards.
McDonald’s, the international chain with more than 13,000 restaurants in 65 countries, has started issuing franchises to local businessmen throughout the country.
But the chain, headquartered in Illinois, refuses to use locally grown potatoes for their french fries, claiming that the Israeli spuds use more oil in the frying process and are twice as expensive as the Russett Burbank strain used by the company in America.
Until now, the Ministry of Agriculture has barred the import of frozen french fries but, according to recent reports, may bow to pressure by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to make an exception for limited amounts of the product to accompany the burgers.
But McDonald’s is also investigating the possibility of persuading local farmers to grow a strain of potatoes that would meet the company’s standard for frying, could be frozen locally and, of course, be purchased at the right price.
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