McDonald's to stop using soya grown on deforested land

McDonald’s has agreed to stop using soya grown on deforested land in the Amazon in a deal with Greenpeace.

The two-year moratorium from the fast-food giant is expected to prevent Amazonian soya farmers trading the crop, following a three-year investigation from the environmental pressure group.

Greenpeace said: "The part played by food companies selling products which have a direct link to Amazon deforestation for soya has been crucial in bringing the big soya traders to the negotiating table.”

A statement from McDonald’s, who use the crop as animal feed, said: “We are determined to do the right thing together with our suppliers and the Brazilian government, to protect the Amazon from further destruction.”

This deal comes on the same day as the multinational company announces strong second quarter operating results.

European restaurants did particularly well with like-for-like sales up 6.3%  – the strongest quarterly result in 10 years. The company attributed the boost to the World Cup, which it had a number of promotions tied to.

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By Alix Young

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