(SPOT.ph) Burger fans calm 'yo selves. We got word that Burger King's flame-grilled burgers are getting a big change these coming weeks, possibly even months. Burger King posted on their social media on Wednesday, August 17, that onions are currently hard to come by—affecting their burgers.
Burger King came out with a statement warning customers about the lack of onions in their flame-grilled burgers such as the crowd-fave Whopper. According to the fast-food chain, there is a shortage in their regular supply, but don't fret, Whopper fans, while waiting for the onions to come back in stock, customers have the option of adding crispy onions, extra lettuce, or extra tomatoes.
Is there an onion shortage in the Philippines or is this just an isolated Burger King incident?
The Department of Agriculture confirmed earlier in August that there is a shortage of white onions in the market. Plans to import have been floated but no concrete steps have been reported.
The supply shortage has been felt in local markets for the past few weeks. In a report by CNN, vendors in the Balintawak Market have not had stock in a while; meanwhile, farmers state that it isn't supply that's a problem, but storage.
The Federation of Free Farmers suggested to the Department of Agriculture (DA) that they ramp up their supply monitoring to avoid getting caught off-guard, which could result in sellers taking matters into their own hands, as reported by CNN.
"The DA is always getting caught unaware of all the situation. Mukhang wala silang up-to-date monitoring ng supply at iba pang market conditions. Magkakaroon ng shortage then scramble for solutions. Usually their solution is to import," said Raul Montemayor, national manager of the group.
Right now, the DA officials have yet to comment on the issue.
This is the latest in a slew of shortage reports, both in global and national contexts. The Philippine food industry also felt a shortage on premium refined sugar in August, chicken in June and July, and even potatoes in April.