KFC Canada’s exclusively halal menu sparks debate, excludes pork from most of its restaurants

KFC Canada’s recent decision to offer a halal-only menu in Ontario, excluding pork products, has sparked debate on social media. The change, which will take effect May 15, is aimed at providing inclusive dining options, but has drawn mixed reactions, with some supporting the decision and others calling it unacceptable.

KFC Canada’s halal menu launch sparks #BoycottKFC movement, banning pork at most Ontario restaurants

The hashtag #BoycottKFC is circulating on social media, accompanied by screenshots of a statement released by KFC Canada on May 8 outlining its plans to implement inclusive menu options.

As part of the initiative, the American fast food chain has partnered with its KFC Canada Muslim team to implement halal menu options at all KFC Canada stores in Ontario, excluding Thunder Bay and Ottawa, starting May 15.

The initiative involved training restaurant staff to adapt to this relatively recent change and establishing partnerships with Halal suppliers such as Maple Lodge Farms and Zabiha Halal.

Additionally, the restaurant has eliminated pork products at all of its locations except those branded as Taco Bell.

While some consider the decision acceptable, believing that it allows “more people to dine comfortably at KFC”, others consider it “totally unacceptable”.

Additionally, many people are wondering why Thunder Bay and Ottawa were excluded.

“It’s strange that they’re leaving Ottawa out, given its large Muslim population,” one person said.

Amid the controversy, one individual humorously remarked: “Imagine #BoycottKFC because you don’t know the definition of halal.”

KFC Canada halal menu debate: Inclusivity questioned, customers consider alternatives

According to NOW, halal meat is permitted under Islamic dietary laws. It involves the ethical treatment of animals and the complete removal of blood during slaughter, ensuring tender and wholesome meat, as defined by the Canadian Halal Meat Association.

Additionally, many people point out that they will be switching to alternative fast food establishments, such as Popeyes or Mary Brown’s.

“So, just FYI to anyone upset about this: Popeyes in Canada has always been Halal,” one X user responded.

“The best thing on Twitter today is the reaction from right-wing Canadians to the news that KFC Canada is going halal by saying they are switching to Mary Brown’s, not knowing that Mary Brown’s has been halal certified in most major cities for years,” another added.

In the meantime, there is also a debate about whether the abolition of pork is compatible with inclusiveness.

“The site claims that this project is about diversity and inclusion. It literally excludes pork from the menu. That seems less inclusive,” noted one X user.

“This won’t have any effect on me, but it certainly opens their products to Muslims and Jews. Besides, it won’t change the price or taste for non-Muslims. We wouldn’t even know if they didn’t tell you,” shared one X user.

Photo: Microsoft Bing