McDonald's Is Switching Up One Of Their Big Mac Ingredients Because Of Shortages

Even with all of the restrictions in place, Canadians can still get their fix of the Golden Arches. However, the McDonald's Canada menu is about to feature a different ingredient. The company may go international to make its burgers.

According to an April 29 Canadian Press report via CBC News, the company released a statement saying that they will immediately begin sourcing beef from "pre-approved suppliers and facilities outside of Canada."

This shift in supply comes amid the closure of a Cargill beef plant in Canada where workers tested positive for COVID-19.

The move also comes after President Donald Trump signed an executive order to keep meat-processing plants in the United States open to alleviate strain on the food supply chain, according to BBC News.

In addition to the United States, a Bloomberg report via the Financial Post reveals that the company will also be sourcing beef from "Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, the U.K. and Uruguay."

However, the company also stated that it would continue to buy as much Canadian beef as possible while supplementing that with international sources.

The company concluded by saying that the long-term plan is to eventually return to sourcing Canadian beef exclusively.

Prime Minister Trudeau was asked about his plan for the beef industry during his April 29 address. 

He acknowledged the effect that the pandemic has had on the food industry and said the government is working closely with the agriculture industry to maintain the food supply heading into summer.

Trudeau also noted that while food safety has always been a priority, right now the government is focusing on how to keep workers safe.

In his address on April 21, the Prime Minister stated that while a shortage of beef in Canada isn't anticipated, it is possible that consumers might see prices go up as the supply chain struggles to keep up with demand.

Recently, McDonald's has also made the decision to temporarily limit their menu "to simplify operations and support social distancing in our kitchens."

Ten of the chain's menu items are no longer available, including McGriddles, bagels (à la carte and sandwiches), Big Breakfast, salads (entrée and side), croissants, danishes and mini-chocolatines and cones.

Many of the popular items on the McDonald's menu are still available and restaurants remain open via drive-thru and delivery.

Beef isn't the only product in short supply in Canada right now. Baking ingredients like flour and yeast are also hard to come by, so much so that Robin Hood had to change its packaging to keep up with demand.

Robin Hood announced their "dressed down" temporary look in a Facebook post last week.