Tokyo - McDonald's customers in Japan will be able to order french fries in all sizes again from next month, after the fast-food chain limited sales to small servings because of import delays.
McDonald's said on Friday it will resume sales of medium- and large-size french fries on January 5, as it has secured enough inventory thanks to emergency measures.
The company, owned 49.9% by McDonald's, began restricting serving sizes on December 17 after a labour dispute at US West Coast ports led to delays in imports.
As an emergency step, McDonald's Japan said earlier this month that it was importing over 1 000 tonnes of frozen fries by air, and another 1 600 tonnes by ship from ports on the US East Coast.
The fry rationing capped off a tough year for McDonald's Japan: the company in October forecast its first annual loss in 11 years as sales slid following a food safety scandal at the Chinese supplier of chicken for its McNuggets.
Sales at outlets open at least a year fell 12% in November, down for the 10th month in a row.
McDonald's Japan said it continues to face import delays as the port labour dispute drags on. It said it will monitor the situation closely and do its best to offer a stable supply of fries.
A company spokesperson declined to comment on the fry shortage's impact on earnings.