McDonald’s Surveying Pesticide Use on Potatoes

April 1, 2009

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After facing shareholder pressure, McDonald’s will survey the amount of pesticides applied to potatoes used in its french fries and other potato products.

McDonald’s will survey its potato suppliers this year, it was revealed in a series of letters between McDonald’s counsel and Bard College, Newground Social Investments and AFL-CIO Reserve Fund.

McDonald’s will collect and share with shareholders examples of best practices for reducing pesticides on potatoes within its U.S. supply chain. The efforts will include alternative pest control methods, according to the letters.

Additionally, McDonald’s will work to extend the practices to its global supply chain. The shareholders demanded that the fast food giant communicate the adoption of best practices through the Global Potato Board.

Shareholders also demanded McDonald’s to include information about sustainable pesticide use in its future CSR reports.

McDonald’s 2008 CSR report was recently released.

McDonald’s has a previous history of recognizing sustainability in suppliers. Last October, McDonald’s USA recognized Smithfield Foods, a pork supplier for the McDonald’s system, with the company’s first-ever Sustainability Award.

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