OSI withdraws Chinese subsidiary’s meat products from market

US-based OSI Group has announced that it is withdrawing from the marketplace all products produced by its Chinese subsidiary Shanghai Husi Food.

OSI has taken this measure due to allegations that workers at Shanghai Husi’s facility mixed expired meat with fresh meat product and intentionally misled quality inspectors from McDonald’s.

The allegations were made by a Shanghai TV channel.

The company has started an internal investigation into current and former senior management, reports Reuters.

OSI stated that where misconduct is uncovered, it will take "swift and decisive action" against those responsible. The company has already brought in a new management team in China.

OSI announced that it will fully co-operate with Chinese regulators, while Chinese police have detained five people as part of the investigation.

Commenting on the incident, OSI Group owner, chairman and CEO Sheldon Lavin stated: "What happened at Husi Shanghai is completely unacceptable.

"I will not try and defend it or explain it. It was terribly wrong, and I am appalled that it ever happened in the company that I own."

Shanghai Husi Food supplies meat to restaurant giants such as McDonald’s and KFC.

OSI China also supplies meat to other prominent brands, including Burger King, Papa John’s Pizza, coffee chain Starbucks and sandwich maker Subway.