Kentucky Fried Chicken (kfc” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener” title=”KFC” data-wpil-keyword-link=”linked”>KFC) Canada’s recent switch to halal chicken has stirred controversy among its customer base, despite being seen as a strategic business move.
Since May, KFC has quietly introduced halal chicken, which adheres to Muslim dietary guidelines, in nearly all of its Ontario restaurants. However, the decision has only now come to light. Notably, KFC locations in Thunder Bay and Ottawa are currently exempt from the policy, reportedly due to local chicken processors being unable to meet KFC’s volume requirements for halal chicken. By the end of 2024, all KFC restaurants across Canada are expected to offer halal options.
The move has sparked backlash, with some customers calling for KFC to reverse the decision. A petition circulating online argues that catering to the 5% Muslim minority unfairly dictates policy. Concurrently, concerns have been raised about KFC removing pork products, potentially narrowing its appeal as a diverse brand. In response, KFC has emphasized that the shift to halal chicken aims to provide more inclusive dining choices.
Critics also raise humane concerns about halal slaughter practices, which traditionally involve slaughtering animals without stunning them first. However, many halal slaughterhouses in Canada and the US do use some form of stunning. Despite these debates, competing chains like Popeyes, Mary Brown’s, Church’s Texas Chicken, and Nando’s already offer halal options, highlighting a growing market trend.
The demographic landscape in Ontario, home to over half of Canada’s Muslim population, plays a significant role in these discussions. With Canada’s overall population surpassing 41 million, driven largely by international migration, debates about sustainability and cultural accommodation continue to evolve.
As KFC and other chicken-centric restaurants navigate these complexities, their decisions reflect broader societal shifts in dietary preferences and cultural inclusivity.