McDonald's increases checks of Chinese suppliers

New York: McDonald's says it will monitor its suppliers in China more closely after a food-safety scandal in the country hurt the hamburger chain's sales and reputation.

The fast food company will increase audits and video monitoring at its food suppliers. It will also send more employees to meat production facilities to make sure its food is prepared safely.

The changes come after a TV report in July showed workers at a McDonald's supplier repacking expired meat. McDonald's stopped using the Shanghai plant and many restaurants were unable to provide some products, including Big Macs and Chicken McNuggets.

Last month, McDonald's Corp. Reported a 7.3 percent drop in sales at its restaurants in Asia, the Middle East and Africa.