Meaty row over halal-only KFC

A LOCAL Muslim leader has defended the use of halal food after a fast-food restaurant was criticised for dropping a popular item from its menu.

A customer was angered when she tried to order four KFC “Quadwraps” — chicken and bacon in a tortilla — at the chain’s Centre Retail Park, Royton, branch - only to be told it no longer sold them becvause it was one of 100 branches selling halal-prepared meat only

Fazal Rahim, Oldham Interfaith Forum co-ordinator, said: “Bacon is something Muslims and Jews have in common. They won’t consume bacon or use any derivative of it.

Halal food conforms to an Islamic slaughter method that generally precludes pre-stunning.

“There are two schools of thought,” added Mr Rahim. “Some Muslim religious authorities will accept pre-stunning, others will not.”

By using food that meets halal criteria, retailers and restaurants are making their products suitable for the UK Muslim population. They argue that they are simply meeting demand and that many have been serving halal meat for years.

Subway, Nandos and Pizza Express all serve halal-approved chicken, while Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Morrisons all sell halal ranges.