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