McDonald’s is facing scrutiny of its business operations in Russia. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson
McDonald’s and PepsiCo, along with many others, are calling for an end to their operations in Russia.
According to Reuters, the New York state comptroller wrote to several companies with a call to action.
British politician John Mann made similar requests.
McDonald’s and PepsiCo are among the food and beverage companies facing calls from political figures to sever business ties with Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
In a letter Friday, Thomas DiNapoli, New York State Comptroller, urged companies to rethink their business operations in Russia as they face “significant and growing legal, compliance, operational, human and personnel rights, and reputational risks,” reports Reuters.
He added that suspending or terminating business in Russia “will eliminate various investment risks associated with the Russian market” and will play a key role in “denouncing Russia’s role in fundamentally undermining the international order.”
McDonald’s and PepsiCo did not immediately respond to an Insider request for comment, made after business hours.
Other companies, including Estee Lauder, Kimberly-Clark Corp, Coty Inc, Mondelez International Inc, Fortinet Inc, Bunge Ltd, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc and Trimble Inc, were also asked in the letter to boycott businesses in Russia, Reuters reported.
Since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an unprovoked attack on Ukraine, numerous companies have taken action to cut or limit their commercial relations with Russia.
Ikea, Spotify and Nike were among the big companies that recently severed business ties with Russia. Some retail brands, including Publix and Kroger, have also shown their solidarity with Ukraine by removing Russian vodka from store shelves.
British politician John Mann called for similar action by DiNapoli. On twitter he said: “If McDonald’s and Starbucks continue to sell in Russia, then an international boycott of their products should be announced.”
The story goes on
Social media users have also called for a boycott of the company, with McDonald’s subject to special scrutiny.
One user who posted a photo of open McDonald’s stores in Russia said: “Guess who’s doing business in #Russia as usual, no wonder #Boycott McDonalds.”
Other said:”@McDonald’s leave #Russia or lose loyal customers, the choice is yours. #BoycottMcDonald’s.”
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