KFC’s switch to halal chicken and ban bacon ‘to be more inclusive’ after Canadian province saw more than 650,000 migrants arrive in five years
KFC has sparked anger from some Canadians after the company quietly switched to halal chicken and took pork off the menu to comply with dietary restrictions for Muslims in Ontario.
The US company sent a memo to its Ontario stores in May informing them of the initiative, calling it “a testament to our commitment to providing diverse and inclusive menu options.”
The memo states that restaurants in Ontario (with the exception of those in Thunder Bay and Ottawa) must ensure that all chicken products are halal-certified and that pork products must be discontinued.
In addition, KFC stated that its restaurant staff had received training on “Halal procedures.”
According to the memo, the changes will be implemented across Canada by the end of this year.
KFC’s decision comes as Ontario is dealing with an influx of migrants, with more than 650,000 new arrivals in just five years.
KFC has angered some Canadians after it quietly switched to halal chicken and took pork off the menu to comply with dietary restrictions for Muslims in Ontario
KFC’s decision comes as Ontario has seen an influx of migrants – more than 650,000 new migrants have arrived in just five years
Ontario is home to more than half of Canada’s Muslim population. About 4.9 percent of the province’s population is Muslim. Half a million Muslims live in the Greater Toronto Area alone.
Canadian CEO Sabir Sami, born in Pakistan, is one of the Muslim migrants living in the city.
However, KFC Canada’s decision sparked a lot of angry reactions on social media, with many sharing the hashtag #boycottKFC.
An X user said: ‘Only 5% of Canadians are Muslim. But almost 100% of KFC restaurants in Canada will soon serve Halal.
“This is Trudeau’s Canada. Where the vocal minority dictates policy.”
Another said: ‘No more KFC for me. This has nothing to do with religion. Halal slaughter is inhumane and I will never support animal cruelty.’
Canadian CEO Sabir Sami, born in Pakistan, is one of the Muslim migrants living in Toronto
Others took to social media to say they were not concerned about the announced changes at KFC.
“Both Popeyes and Mary Browns have been Halal in Canada for a long time. Both have been better than KFC for a long time,” said one X user.
“Does my chicken need to be drained and prayed over? No. Does it affect my chicken sammich? Also no.”
With halal meat, the blood is thoroughly removed during slaughter and a prayer is said over the meat.
KFC says it has partnered with suppliers including Maple Lodge Farms, owner of Zabiha Halal, which is touted as “Canada’s #1 Halal food brand.”
Zabiha Halal Website says the company ensures that each bird is slaughtered alive with an automated knife, as reported by TNC News.
However, KFC Canada’s decision has sparked a lot of angry reactions on social media, with many sharing the hashtag #boycottKFC
Others took to social media to say they are not bothered by the announced changes at KFC
In addition, all meat is blessed by 25 ‘Muslim blessings’.
“The Muslim blessings recite the Tasmiah as each bird comes under the rotating blade,” according to the Zabiha Halal website.
‘We understand that it is not possible for a person to recite Tasmiah continuously, for long periods, at the same pace. In order to keep the speed consistent, the blessings at the slaughter station are alternated with other blessings to prevent fatigue.
‘This rotation will continue as long as the slaughter process lasts.’
DailyMail.com has contacted KFC for comment on this story.