McDonald’s Corporation is looking into accusations that City Toys, Ltd., a supplier of “Happy Meal” toys, employs underage, low-paid laborers.
Journalists in Hong Kong have exposed questionable working and living conditions at City Toys, prompting McDonald’s to launch an internal investigation into the practices of the manufacturer. An external audit will also be conducted. The company maintains that it has a standard code of ethics in place for all of its suppliers and that no known violation had occurred.
The burger giant has received frequent criticism lately. This summer, in an effort to appease PETA and other animal rights activists, the company reportedly suggested improved care of chickens to its suppliers, incensing poultry farmers. McDonald’s is also currently under fire from the pro-life organization STOPP, which is opposed to the chain’s apparent support of a Planned Parenthood condom distribution campaign.
