Due to the soaring tomato prices in various regions of India, Burger King, the popular burger chain, has decided to remove tomatoes from its wraps and burgers in several of its Indian outlets.
"Even tomatoes need a vacation ... we are unable to add tomatoes to our food," read notices pasted at two Burger King India outlets.
Citing quality issues as the reason for dropping tomatoes from its menu, the food chain addressed the big concern of food inflation that is adversely affecting consumers across the nation.
A customer, visiting the support page of Burger King India's website, asked why there are no tomatoes in his burger.
In response, an official from the fast food chain replied that its Indian franchisee follows "very high standards of quality" and tomatoes will be back soon.
Burger King is not the only one who has removed tomatoes from their burger.
Previously, other brand-name fast food outlets, specifically, McDonald's and Subway, also announced their decision to give tomatoes a hiatus from their menus.
The US-based sandwich chain even cancelled the free cheese slices it offered for years.
Amnish Aggarwal, the head of research at Prabhudas Lilladher in India, told Indian media that if prices continue to rise, restaurants will inevitably be compelled to raise their prices.
"There is no other alternative," he stressed.
The recent tomato supply crisis has led to a sudden surge in prices, reaching record highs with a surge of up to 450%.
Monsoon rains have greatly disrupted crop production and supply chains, but fortunately, the situation has now improved.
Currently, tomatoes cost around INR 100-200 ($1.20 - $2.41) per kg and ginger INR 400 ($4.81) in some parts of India.
Several tomato farmers have become millionaires by selling the crop at three times the market price.
In order to effectively handle the supply crisis, India has decided to import tomatoes from Nepal and has also set up a system of vans to ensure that this essential commodity is distributed throughout the nation at more affordable prices.