Expired Meat Scandal Rocks Chinese McDonald's And KFCs

A fast food rancid meat scare has swept China after it was revealed that Husi Food Co., a meat supplier in China, had been selling expired meat to various food outlets, including McDonald's and KFC. Hidden camera footage revealed that the factory workers at Husi had been removing expiration dates from meat packaging and slapping on newer dates, as well as scooping up meat that had fallen onto the floor. Various fast food outlets across China, including KFC and McDonald's, have immediately stopped using Husi, and the company is under investigation by the Shanghai office of the State Food and Drug Administration.

"Food safety is a top priority for McDonald's," McDonald's China wrote on its microblog. The fast food giant says it pursues "strict compliance" with consumer safety laws and regulations and has "zero tolerance for illegal behavior."

The suspect products, which included meat that was over half a month past its expiration date, have been seized and taken off shelves, including 4,500 cases of beef and chicken for McDonald's, and 500 cases of seasoned beef for Pizza Hut. Husi had also gotten in trouble last year after the company allegedly violated rules concerning drug-use in livestock.

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Joanna Fantozzi is an Associate Editor with The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter@JoannaFantozzi