Qaanitah Hunter- Cii News- August 1, 2012

The South African National Halaal Authority (SANHA) said the KFC Halaal lunch debacle has nothing to do with them as they do not certify the outlet in question.

Yesterday South African media was abuzz with reports about a worker at KFC’s Empangeni franchise that went to the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) after he was allegedly fired for bringing non-halaal food to work.

SANHA said they do not have any knowledge of the Halaal certification procedure and management requirements of the organisation concerned to comment on the particular incident.

The company however said that these procedures are implemented to ensure quality of food and health of staff and customers but did not state any policies regarding non-halaal food in particular but mentioned the prohibition of any external food.

“SANHA encourages food establishments to provide meals for staff. However in terms of Halaal outlets where staff meals are not provided, it is a Halaal requirement to provide a separate area for storage and partaking of staff meals,” the organization said in a statement.

They also said that this is also in line with Food Quality and Safety requirements.

“Notwithstanding the above, SANHA is cognisant of the religious and cultural sensitivities of our Rainbow nation and condemns any act that transgresses and violates our human rights and the constitution,” the statement said.

KFC said in a statement that these procedures are implemented to ensure quality of food and health of staff and customers.

“In line with this policy KFC does not allow any external sources of food to be brought in to or stored in its kitchen.”