The arrests follow allegations that the plant was supplying out of date meat.

OSI Group that supplies fast food chains such as Mc Donald’s, KFC and Starbucks said it will continue to cooperate fully and in good faith with the authorities.

“We support the government’s consistent application of the country’s food quality and safety laws,” OSI said.

Yum Brands Inc, the owner of KFC and Pizza Hut, severed ties with OSI, and McDonald's said it would move supply from the Shanghai facility to OSI's new plant in the eastern central province of Henan.

OSI China has also entered into a management services agreement with KanPak China, a subsidiary of Golden State Foods, which is headquartered in Irvine, California.

Under the single-facility agreement, KanPak will manage OSI’s Guangzhou facility, which produces vegetable and fruit products.

OSI said the company remains committed to China, it customers and consumers. OSI’s Guangzhou facility will be operated by KanPak to help meet customer needs.

Since OSI acquired the Guangzhou facility from Coronet Foods in 2001, it has consistently provided customers with safe and high-quality products.

The plant, which will be operated under the new single-facility agreement, currently features world-class supply chain and internal systems. OSI’s Guangzhou facility has been consistently recognized as one of China’s premier produce providers.

Over the past six decades, OSI has established itself as a growing and enduring global leader in food safety and quality because we support our customers in a rigorous, innovative and transparent fashion. OSI always puts our customers first.