Why McDonald's Is Rationing Its French Fries in Japan

— -- Even McDonald's, the biggest burger chain in the world, can be a small fry when it comes to global shipping issues.

McDonald's restaurants in Japan will begin rationing their French fries beginning Wednesday, eliminating the menu option for large fries, due to a potato shortage, a spokeswoman for the fast food chain confirmed to ABC News.

A labor dispute is apparently delaying American potato shipments at American West Coast ports, thereby limiting supplies in Japan. Labor disputes have resulted in protests in ports in California and the Pacific Northwest over the past couple years.

Becca Hary, McDonald's Corporation's director of global media relations, told ABC News in a statement, "Due to prolonged U.S. West Coast port labor negotiations which have resulted in challenges securing a stable supply of potatoes to McDonald’s Japan beginning Wednesday, December 17, 2014, only small size fries will be available in our restaurants in Japan. This will also apply to our set meals, and will include price reductions accordingly."

The International Longshore and Warehouse Union said yesterday that it is waiting for the Pacific Maritime Association to respond to its comments on the latest offer from West Coast port employers.