McDonald's conducts the first social accountability training course for suppliers in the Middle East

The McDonald's restaurants in the Middle East are independently owned and operated by national interests that strive to develop their markets' suppliers. As part of that development program, the suppliers are entrusted to provide the restaurants with the highest quality ingredients according to the most stringent world standards. In addition, these suppliers work closely with the McDonald's consultants to develop socially responsible practices in employment, job safety, cleanliness, and employee development.

"Our suppliers are considered an integral part of our network. Although we do not own them, we work very closely with them to ensure that they comply with McDonald's international guidelines outlined in the corporation's Code of Conduct" said Ala Mohammad, Purchasing Director with the McDonald's Middle East Development Company. The Code of Conduct is an integral part of McDonald's commitment to acting in a socially responsible manner. This applies equally to the McDonald's restaurants and their suppliers, and includes guidelines that enforce the owner's commitment to high safety standards for employees, non-discrimination practices, and strict compliance with local and national laws.

The training course is part of an ongoing initiative that includes plant audits, where experts in various aspects of safety and security conduct checks to ensure that the employees are protected in the workplace from undue hazards. In addition, the audits examine employee compensation, working hours, and benefits to ensure that these practices are fair and meet or exceed industry standards and local laws and regulations.

"McDonald's is the world's largest restaurant chain, serving over 46 million people each day in over 100 countries. This allows us to benefit from experience gained from the over 30,000 independent restaurant owners.

This sharing of knowledge in the service of customers is one that we apply not just within our restaurants, but extends throughout our supply chain. Our suppliers in the Middle East have always been a model example of these social accountability practices. This training course is another step in our continuous efforts to help them develop these sound practices in the interest of providing our customers with the highest standards of quality, service, cleanliness, and value, in a socially responsible manner." Said Alsharif Abdallah Alluhaymaq, Marketing and Communications Director for the McDonald's restaurants in the region.