Fast food giant KFC is being lobbied by a group of Muslims to include halal certified food on its menu at stores across New Zealand.
A Facebook campaign to include the Islamic dietary requirements across the nation is beginning to gain traction, with more than 2,000 likes in little more than a month.
But not all are in favour of bringing ‘HALAL KFCs Back In New Zealand’, with the page dividing opinions and leading some against it to say they shouldn’t have to ‘fit in with the rules of your country’.
Fast food giant KFC is being lobbied by Muslims to include halal certified food on its menu at stores across New Zealand
The movement is being led by Syeda Fouzia, who said the process of delivering halal food ‘is not that difficult’.
‘We’ve had some criticism, but having halal certification will only mean more people will be able to eat at KFC. It won’t affect non-Muslims,’ UK-born Ms Fouzia told Stuff.
‘I know for a fact that it is not that difficult to serve halal food. The fryers and grills for different types of food are separate anyway.’
Already there are hundreds of halal certified KFC stores across the world, including in Sydney’s western suburbs.
In just a few weeks Ms Fouzia has gained a bevvy of support online, with many asking why the seemingly simple transition can’t be made.
‘Just like to point out KFC is a multi-national fast food corporation, it has about as much cultural bearing on New Zealander’s way of life as Tacobell,’ one person said.
Halal restaurants are already common place in many countries including Iran (pictured) and Australia
The movement is being led by Syeda Fouzia, who said the process of delivering halal food ‘is not that difficult’
‘Why not. I see so much over reaction here with comments like ‘demand’ etc… If you don’t like it don’t order it,’ another commented.
But while the social media campaign has gained prominence with thousands, it also seemingly has its far share of detractors.
‘We fit in with your rules in your countries, you fit in with the rules and ways of New Zealand. Your choice, go home or adjust,’ a person clearly against the move said.
‘Don’t like how things are done in NZ and our culture then don’t come here,’ a woman commented.
‘I think it is so rude to go to another country and expect them to change their way of doing things to fit your beliefs and what you have in your country.’
But the campaign has divided New Zealanders, with some for the introduction of halal and others against it
But it seems despite the support for the move among the public KFC has no plans of including halal options at its chains.
A spokesperson for the brand said they had previously explored it in 2001 and were not looking to make the move permanent.
‘We appreciate their request, however, the issues relating to us being able to certify halal product for customers remain,’ a spokesperson for KFC’s parent group said.
‘We have no plans to re-introduce halal in New Zealand.’