(ECNS) -- McDonald's stores in China will change the cooking oil they use starting next year, despite an increased cost, and introduce new menu items including fruits and vegetables, the Beijing Times reported on Friday.
Phyllis Cheung, the CEO of McDonald's China, said the fast-food giant is testing new cooking oil and plans to replace the current palm oil with a mixture of sunflower seed and canola oil.
The reasons behind the change are to optimize the nutrition structure, dramatically reduce the consumption of saturated fatty acids, and improve heath.
Cheung admitted that costs will increase as a result, but the company will not release data and has no immediate plans to raise food prices.
McDonald's China stores will also offer more choices that include fruits, vegetables and grains. It has already piloted selling apple slices in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Tianjin.
The company also said it has been advocating for the use of less salt in China, reducing salt by 450 tons since 2010, including a 20 percent cut in the amount of salt used on fries.
Cai Meiqin, the vice chairperson of the Shanghai Nutrition Society, said McDonald's focus on less salt, better oil, and a more balanced diet fits well with the overall theme of "The Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents" released this year.
She also said food is an important social concern, and that the fast-food brand's move is expected to encourage more people to consider healthier dietary choices.
