Russian McDonalds closures are 'black propaganda'

The Russian consumer watchdog has said it has ordered four branches of McDonalds in Moscow to shut temporarily.

The agency said it was because of numerous violations of health regulations found during an inspection.

Quentin Peel, who reported on the opening of the first Russian McDonalds in 1990, told the Today programme the move was an "absolutely classic bit of Soviet black propaganda" to counter US and Western economic sanctions on the country and "very sad symbolism".

McDonald's said it was examining the complaints, adding that its "top priority is to provide safe and quality products".

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Thursday 21 August.