Big Mac beef: LGIM takes aim at McDonald’s

CHARLIE CONCHIE

ASSET management giant Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM) is set for a showdown with McDonald’s this week as it leads a fight against the firm’s use of antibiotics in its meat production.

LGIM claims McDonald’s “overuse” of antibiotics could fuel the threat of global anti-microbial resistance.

The top-20 shareholder in McDonald’s has co-filed a resolution ahead of its shareholder meeting this week calling for the company to align with World Health Organisation guidelines.

McDonalds in 2018 pledged to slash the amount of antibiotics used.

Some argue the firm has failed to provide proper updates since then.

LGIM’s move against McDonald's has won the backing of Amundi and Hesta, the Mail on Sunday reported.

However, influential shareholder group ISS struck a blow to the firm earlier this month by recommending shareholders rebuff LGIM’s move.

It comes as LGIM has been ramping up pressure on boards for action across ESG issues.

McDonald's said it is “working towards the responsible use of antibiotics in our supply chain”.