KFC's Shift to Halal Chicken: A Move Towards Diversity and Inclusion?

Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) Canada has announced that it will switch to serving halal chicken at all its locations across the country by the end of 2024. This decision has sparked a mix of reactions from customers, with some expressing support for the move towards greater diversity and inclusion, while others have called for a boycott.

The change to halal chicken is not a new development, as KFC has already been serving halal chicken at almost all its Ontario restaurants since May. However, the decision to expand this policy to all locations across Canada has only recently been made public.

Some customers have taken to social media to express their discontent with the decision, citing concerns about the impact on non-Muslim customers and the potential loss of pork products from the menu. However, KFC leaders have emphasized that the change to halal chicken provides more "diverse and inclusive options" for customers.

Others have pointed out that KFC's competitors, such as Popeyes, Mary Brown's, Church's Texas Chicken, and Nando's, already offer halal options on their menus. This raises questions about whether KFC's decision is truly a unique move towards greater diversity and inclusion, or simply a response to market demand.

The issue of halal slaughter has also been raised, with some critics arguing that it is inhumane and involves the slitting of the animal's throat while it is still conscious. However, many Muslim groups in Canada argue that stunning is not necessary for smaller animals, and that most halal slaughterhouses in Canada and the US use some form of stunning.

The decision by KFC to switch to halal chicken comes at a time when Canada's population is growing rapidly, with Statistics Canada reporting that the country's population surpassed 41 million people in the first quarter of 2024. This growth is largely driven by international migration, which has raised concerns about the sustainability of Canada's infrastructure and services.

Overall, KFC's decision to switch to halal chicken is a complex issue that raises questions about diversity, inclusion, and the impact of market demand on food choices. While some customers may be upset by the change, others may see it as a positive step towards greater diversity and inclusivity in the food industry.