Record pollution fine for McDonald's french fry supplier in China for wastewater

A man eats french fries at a McDonald's restaurant in Beijing, China Thursday, April 30, 2015. A french fry supplier to the McDonald's restaurant chain in China has been issued Beijing's biggest-ever pollution fine for releasing dirty wastewater, state media reported. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) (The Associated Press)

Chinese people buy sundae cones at a McDonald's restaurant in Beijing, China, Thursday, April 30, 2015. A french fry supplier to the McDonald's restaurant chain in China has been issued Beijing's biggest-ever pollution fine for releasing dirty wastewater, state media reported. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) (The Associated Press)

BEIJING – A french fry supplier to the McDonald's restaurant chain in China has been issued Beijing's biggest-ever pollution fine for releasing dirty wastewater.

The official Xinhua News Agency reported late Wednesday that Beijing environmental officials levied a record fine of 3.8 million yuan, or more than $650,000, against Beijing Simplot Food Processing Co. Ltd.

The company is a joint venture between McDonald's, the U.S.-owned J.R. Simplot Co. and the Beijing Agricultural, Industrial and Commerce General Co.

Xinhua reported that inspectors found waste water discharged by the company contained organic compound levels higher than that allowed. Beijing officials didn't answer phone calls Thursday.

Chinese officials have announced a crackdown on polluters across the country that has included tougher regulations as well as new rules clarifying who can file lawsuits against polluters.