McDonald’s stores in Malaysia have been forced to deny customers large portions of chips due to a global shortage of potatoes.
The lack of spuds means the fast-food giant is exploring ‘new distribution channels’ in a bid to return the popular item to their menu.
On Monday, McDonald’s Malaysia announced on social media that it will no longer serve large fries with meals due to a ‘fry-tening supply crunch’.
A statement posted on social media read: ‘We are facing a fry-tening supply crunch on French Fries. But fret not.
‘While you can’t Go Large for the time being, you can still enjoy your favourite meals and fries in Medium size.
‘Time fries… It’ll be back before you know it.’
Similar shortages were experienced in Japan, where McDonald’s chains halted the sales of hash browns as well as medium and large fries.
The global potato shortage has been attributed to several potential causes, including supply disruptions caused by the pandemic, harsh weather conditions in South Africa, and even the detection of potato wart fungus at a processing plant in Canada.
Meanwhile, KFC Australia was forced to temporarily remove certain items in various stores earlier this month due to a supply shortage of fresh chicken.
A KFC spokesperson said it was ‘currently experiencing intermittent supply chain disruptions nationally due to COVID-19 related absenteeism at our chicken suppliers.’
It is unclear when McDonald’s diners will be able to order large fries in Malaysia again.
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