Initially McDonald’s experienced difficulty in India due to environmentalists and animal welfare
activists. Religious and anti-western sentiment also presented challenges to the company. Over
forty percent of the Indian population was vegetarian. Out of respect for the local religion and
culture, McDonald’s served no beef or pork products in India. Instead, McDonald’s developed a
special line of vegetable, fish, and chicken sandwiches. The company developed both vegetarian
and non-vegetarian menus with separate kitchens and service crews. McDonald’s also offered
kitchen and restaurant tours to assure customers the staffs were separate.