Chinese Police Detain Five in Expired Meat Investigation Officials believe the American-owned food supplier in China purposefully sold expired chicken to chains including McDonald's, KFC and Starbucks.

By Kate Taylor

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

The pressure is on for the meat supplier that sold expired meat to fast-food chains in China.

Chinese police announced today that they had detained five people connected to Shanghai Husi Food Co., the meat supplier for chains including McDonald's, Yum Brands, Starbucks and Burger King, reports The Wall Street Journal. Shanghai Husi is owned by an American company, OSI Group.

Yesterday, the Shanghai Food and Drug Administration reported that the meat-supplier purposefully allowed the safety violations that permitted the expired meat to go to market.

Related: Disappointing Earnings Add to McDonald's Bad Week

The disgusting safety violations came to light following a July 20 report from Shanghai TV, in which a reporter went undercover for two months in Shanghai Husi's workshops. The reporter discovered widespread sale of expired meat by Shanghai Husi to fast-food chains in the area.

American fast-food chains, including McDonald's and Burger King, have reported that they were blindsided by Shanghai Husi's safety violations. Burger King, McDonalds, Yum Brands and Starbucks have all halted orders from the meat supplier.

Even if the chains didn't realize they were serving Chinese customers expired meat, the scandal could eat into their profits. McDonald's and Yum Brands have relied on the Chinese market as a huge driver of growth. When the Chinese customer has reason to doubt the safety of the chains' chicken – as it did last year due to concerns over the bird flu – it drags down the entire brand.

Related: McDonald's, KFC Embroiled in China Food Safety Scare

Kate Taylor

Reporter

Kate Taylor is a reporter at Business Insider. She was previously a reporter at Entrepreneur. Get in touch with tips and feedback on Twitter at @Kate_H_Taylor. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

'I Was Called Crazy': This 27-Year-Old's Side Hustle Hit $30,000 a Month in Under a Year — Now It's Worth Millions

Changing regulations forced Angel Rodriguez's jet ski rental company to shut down, and the young entrepreneur had to figure out his next move — fast.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Science & Technology

Want to Make Money With AI? Here Are Easy Steps to Unlock Explosive Profits in 2025

Learn to turn Google AI Studio into a profit-boosting machine with this three-step framework. Train AI to analyze data, uncover sales opportunities and maximize profits.

Marketing

Beyond Likes and Shares — How to Leverage Influencer Partnerships in the New Era of Social Media

Social media is evolving, and traditional marketing tactics are no longer enough. Learn how to leverage influencer partnerships, build authentic connections and navigate dark social to create impactful marketing campaigns that drive real engagement and trust.

Business News

These Are the Most In-Demand Jobs for 2025, According to a New Report

From software developer to registered nurse, these jobs have the highest number of predicted openings.