China consumer rights show blasts US firms Burger King and GM

A consumer rights show aired through China's state television station on Thursday criticized US fast-food chain Burger King for putting less cheese on its burger and General Motors SUV Baojun 560 for its gearbox problems.

The program cited a Burger King outlet in Nanchang, southeast China, where it alleged employees only put two pieces of cheese on the burger when there should be three.

Burger King China explained on its official Weibo account that the outlet concerned was one of the six managed by a sub-franchise, all of which have been shut down.

According to the fast-food giant, it immediately set up a task force to investigate upon learning of the incident.

It also apologized for the practices that were a departure from its "consumer is king" motto.

The show also interviewed Baojun 560 owners who complained of gearbox problems.

Baojun 560 is produced by a Guangxi-based joint venture between General Motors, SAIC Motor, and a local partner.

The joint venture, which recalled 12,485 Baojun 560 in 2016 to address its gearbox issues, apologized for its clients' inconvenience.

It added that it was investigating the defect and swore to be responsible for the problem at all costs.

General Motors and Burger King were the only foreign companies that appeared on this year's show, mainly focusing on Chinese companies.

The criticisms came during heightened tension between the US and China over trade and political issues.

The program has previously criticized other foreign businesses, such as Starbucks and Apple.

Since 1991, the television program has caused international and local brands' concern due to the possible impact on sales and public relations.