Mon 26 August 2019:
Global fast food chain faces backlash on Twitter after revealing that all its restaurants in India are halal certified.
McDonald’s has faced boycott calls in India from right-wing Hindus after the global fast-food chain said its outlets served halal meat.
The controversy erupted after McDonald’s India said on Twitter that all its restaurants are halal certified.
“All our restaurants have HALAL certificates. You can ask the respective restaurant Managers to show you the certificate for your satisfaction and confirmation,” the fast-food company said in a replyto a user’s inquiry.
However, the reply angered many people on Twitter, who called for a boycott of the US chain, with the hashtag #BoycottMcDonalds trending in India.
Many questioned why McDonald’s was serving halal meat in India where 80 percent of the 1.3 billion people are Hindus. The McDonald’s menu in India has no beef or pork products, serving instead a range of vegetarian options as well as chicken and fish.
The Arabic word “halal” means permissible and, in relation to food, refers to meat and meat-containing products that are prepared on the basis of Islamic law. Halal certification indicates that animals were slaughtered according to the Muslim tradition.
Thank you for taking the time to contact McDonald’s India. We truly appreciate this opportunity to respond to your comments.
The meat that we use, across our restaurants, is of the highest quality and is sourced from government-approved suppliers who are HACCP certified. (1/2)— McDonald’s India (@mcdonaldsindia) August 22, 2019
A user wrote: “This is a blatant and intentional assault on Hindu beliefs. India is 80% Hindu, and there 4% Jain, Sikhs & Buddhists in addition to it. But, McDonald’s had betrayed all these 84% people just to appease the 14% Muslims.
“It’s time people of all Indian Religions #BoycottMcDonalds,” he added.
Many Twitter users branded McDonald’s insensitive for not using the “jhatka” method – another form of slaughter during which the animal’s head is severed in a single blow.
Others alluded to the hypocrisy of some people who earlier this month had called on Muslims not to slaughter sacrificial animals on Eid al-Adha and to celebrate an “eco-friendly” Eid.
Some activists said this was yet another instance of right-wing Hindu groups finding an opportunity to attack Muslims.
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