TORONTO – McDonald’s Canada said the company will return to sourcing 100% Canadian beef for its burgers by September.

In April, the unit of McDonald’s Corp. sourced roughly 80% of its beef from Canadian producers due to sourcing challenges brought on by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The remaining beef supplies were imported from pre-approved McDonald’s suppliers. McDonald’s Canada has used 100% Canadian beef since 2003.

“For nearly two decades, we’ve maintained a strong commitment to sourcing Canadian beef – we are incredibly proud of the role we’ve played in supporting local ranchers and farmers,” said Nicole Zeni, senior manager, Supply Chain, McDonald’s Canada. “In these challenging times, our ability to return to sourcing 100% of our beef from Canadian sources is a true testament to the resiliency of the industry.”

In addition to using Canadian beef in its burgers, McDonald’s Canada is continuing its beef sustainability journey by offering Quarter Pounder patties, from which a portion of the beef (minimum 30%) will be sourced from its Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) certified sustainable Canadian farms and ranches by September 2020.

“The stabilized supply of Canadian beef is important in allowing us to continue to progress our sustainability efforts,” said Jeffrey Fitzpatrick-Stilwell, Sustainability and Agriculture Lead, McDonald’s Canada. “Offering Quarter Pounder patties made with beef from CRSB-certified farms and ranches is another meaningful step forward on our journey to delivering socially responsible, economically viable and environmentally sound food to our guests.”