U.S. fast food restaurants are increasingly being called to task for food quality (Taco Bell's bad onions), menu diversity (the call for vegetarian options) and the ethical treatment of animals (Pamela Anderson vs. KFC). In reviewing McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) worldwide operations, I came away impressed with the flexibility it has demonstrated in addressing these concerns. Other corporations should wish to have solutions already so tried and tested.

In the U.K., to convince customers that the meat it serves is raised and slaughtered humanely, the company has a team of volunteer 'Quality Scouts.' These scouts visit farms and processing plants that supply the chain. Videos of these visits and their written reports are posted on the internet.

Sarah's story about the new McDonald's Godzilla-sized burger caused me to think about the last weekend I spent on a drive-around with a vegan friend. I came away with a new appreciation for how meat-centric our fast food industry is.

As we stood in line at Wendy's for a baked potato, I also thought about the impact of the film Super Size Me, and wondered how McDonald's (NYSE:MCD) might address customers looking for more healthful options.

Then I came across an article about the company's expansion in India. One look at the Indian version of a McDonald's menu showed me that the corporation need only look east (or is it west?) for the answer.

Take, for example, the McVeggie, on the menu in Mumbai -- "Breaded fried vegetable patty consist of peas, carrots, green, beans, red capsicum, potatoes, onions, rice and seasoning. The burger also includes lettuce, eggless mayonnaise in a toasted sesame seed bun." Makes your mouth water, no? Vegans could also enjoy a McAloo Tiki, a potato and pea patty with 'special' sauce. (I wonder what would pass for special in Indian cuisine?)

Non-vegan vegetarians have an even greater selection, such as the Veg McCurry Pan, a "rich béchamel eggless sauce mixed with exotic vegetables like broccoli, baby corn, mushrooms, red capsicum and freshly baked on rectangular spiced bread with a cheese topping." Also on the menu is the Pizza McPuff, mixed vegetables (carrot, beans, pepper, onion and green peas) and mozzarella cheese in tomato sauce wrapped in a fry-pie shell.

I find it reassuring that, when and if we grown tired of our Sumo diet, McDonald's already has the food in production for a revised menu. All cows in favor, raise a hoof.