Malaysia-based Fast-Food Chains’ Halal Status Verified Despite False Reports

Contrary to false claims circulating on social media in Malaysia, neither the US government nor the South Africa-based Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) has “canceled the halal certification” of various American fast-food chains. These chains, including McDonald’s, KFC, Domino’s, Pizza Hut, and Starbucks, all hold valid halal certifications in Muslim-majority Malaysia, which are valid until 2026.

False Social Media Claims

A misleading Malay-language Facebook post shared on May 6, 2024, claimed: “With the halal certification cancellation by the US government itself, McDonald’s, KFC, Domino’s, Pizza Hut, and Starbucks have become non-halal now.” This statement is entirely false.

• Halal Certification in Malaysia: More than 60 percent of Malaysians are Muslims who must adhere to halal dietary standards, which prohibit certain foods.
• Organizations Mentioned: The post incorrectly cited the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) and the International Qur’anic Studies Association (IQSA) as having revoked the certificates. The MJC is a non-profit organization based in South Africa, and the IQSA is a network of scholars based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Image and Logo Misuse

The Facebook post also included an image of the halal logo of the Islamic Services of America (ISA), a certification and auditing body in the United States. ISA representatives clarified that the US government does not revoke halal certifications and has no jurisdiction over halal matters. Additionally, ISA confirmed that their logo was used in the false posts without authorization.

Background Context

This misinformation surfaced amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which started on October 7, following an attack by Hamas on southern Israel. This conflict has resulted in significant casualties and has led to heightened tensions and misinformation.

• Boycotts in Malaysia: Brands like McDonald’s, KFC, and Starbucks have faced boycotts in Malaysia due to perceived support for Israel, as reported by Nikkei Asia.

Official Statements and Valid Certification

• ISA Statement: An ISA representative emphasized that the US government does not regulate halal certification and that the establishments named in the posts are not halal-certified in the USA.
• MJC Clarification: The Muslim Judicial Council Halaal Trust, a subsidiary of South Africa’s MJC, confirmed that it did not revoke the chains’ halal certification and is not responsible for certification in the USA.

Certification in Malaysia

Foreign companies seeking halal certification in Malaysia must apply through JAKIM, the Malaysian government’s agency responsible for Islamic affairs. Records from Halal Malaysia confirm that McDonald’s, KFC, Domino’s, Pizza Hut, and Starbucks have valid halal certificates until at least 2026.

Consumers should rely on official sources and certification bodies for accurate information about halal status. False claims and misinformation can easily spread online, so it’s crucial to verify facts through reliable channels.