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 enraged some Canadians after quietly switching to Halal chicken and removing pork from its menu to abide by Muslim dietary restrictions in Ontario.
The American company sent a memo to its Ontario franchises in May informing them of the initiative, which they called 'a testament to our commitment to provide diverse and inclusive menu options.'
The memo outlined that the Ontario restaurants - except those in Thunder Bay and Ottawa - must ensure all chicken products are Halal Certified and that pork products be discontinued.
Moreover, KFC said it trained restaurant staff on 'Halal operational Procedures.'
The changes will be applied across Canada by the end of the year, per the memo.
KFC's decision comes as Ontario has seen an influx of migrants - receiving over 650,000 new migrants in just five years.
KFC has enraged some Canadians after quietly switching to Halal chicken and removing pork from its menu to abide by Muslim dietary restrictions in Ontario
KFC's decision comes as Ontario has seen an influx of migrants - receiving over 650,000 new migrants in just five years
Ontario has more than half of Canada's entire Muslim population - about 4.9 percent of the province's population are Muslims, with half a million living in the greater Toronto area alone.
Canada's CEO Sabir Sami, born in Pakistan, is one of the Muslim migrants living in the city.
KFC Canada's decision, however, has sparked many angry comments on social media, with many sharing the #boycottKFC hashtag.
One X user said: 'Only 5% of Canadians are Muslim. But nearly 100% of KFC restaurants in Canada will soon be serving Halal.
'This is Trudeau's Canada. Where the loud minority dictates the policies.'
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.'
Canada's CEO Sabir Sami, born in Pakistan, is one of the Muslim migrants living in Toronto
Others, however, took to social media to say they are unbothered by the announced KFC changes.
'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.
'Do I need my chicken to be drained and prayed for? No. Does it impact my chicken sammich? Also no.'
Halal meat involves the thorough removal of blood during slaughter as well as praying over the meat.
KFC says it has partnered with suppliers such as Maple Lodge Farms, which owns Zabiha Halal - billed as 'Canada’s #1 Halal food brand.'
Zabiha Halal's website says the company ensures each bird is alive before being slaughtered with a an automated blade, as reported by TNC News.
KFC Canada's decision, however, has sparked many angry comments on social media, with many sharing the #boycottKFC hashtag
Others took to social media to say they are unbothered by the announced KFC changes
Moreover, all the meat is blessed by 25 'Muslim blessers.'
'The Muslim blessers recite Tasmiah at the time each bird comes under the rotary blade,' Zabiha Halal's website says.
'We understand that it is not possible for a person to continuously recite Tasmiah, over long periods, at the same rate. To keep the speed consistent, the blessers at the slaughter station are rotated with other blessers in order to prevent fatigue.
'This rotation continues for the duration of the slaughter process.'
DailyMail.com has reached out to KFC for comment on this story.
