COVID-19: Temporary Change to Imported Beef

At McDonald’s Canada, we are proud of our long-standing commitment to serve 100 per cent Canadian beef and plan to continue our Canadian beef sourcing long-term. However, due to unprecedented COVID-19 impacts on the Canadian beef supply chain, we are temporarily adjusting our supply to incorporate beef from outside Canada – from pre-approved McDonald’s suppliers and facilities globally – in order to meet the current demand, effective immediately. Until Canada’s beef supply stabilizes, we will source as much Canadian beef as we can and then supplement with imported beef. Tapping into the strength of our global supply chain will allow McDonald’s Canada to continue to serve our communities, without interruption. 

As of June 29, 2020, Canadian beef accounts for 81 per cent of total beef used in the production of all beef burger patties since adjusting our beef supply, on average.

Sourcing imported beef is an interim shift and directly related to current processing capacity limitations with our Canadian beef raw material suppliers, including the temporary closure of Cargill’s High River, Alberta processing facility. 

We are working closely with Cargill and other McDonald’s suppliers globally to meet our current demand for beef, and ensure our restaurants are not impacted. We know our guests depend on their local McDonald’s and we are committed to doing our part to continue serving our communities during this time.

As part of the simplification of our menu, we are temporarily removing Angus burgers from the McDonald’s Canadian menu nationally, effective immediately. Restaurants may continue to sell through product, while current supply lasts.

McDonald's is committed to supporting Canadian ranchers and farmers, and we look forward to returning to sourcing 100 per cent Canadian beef as quickly as possible.