KFC Halaal status: SANHA confirms fake news claims

The South African National Halaal Authority has clarified that a Whatsapp message that had been doing rounds, claiming that KFC is not halal anymore has been confirmed to be fake news.

“Even though SANHA has never certified any KFC outlet to date, the WhatsApp Broadcast doing the rounds is Fitnah (Fake) News,” shared SANHA with IOL Lifestyle.

The message claimed that as of February 18, 2025, the Halaal certification for KFC (Yum Brands), located throughout South Africa and neighbouring countries would be withdrawn with immediate effect. 

“This decision has been made after a thorough investigation and audit, which revealed that the restaurant has been using toxic and harmful ingredients, as well as pork fats, in their food products. 

“These ingredients are strictly prohibited under Islamic law and are not permissible for human consumption,” read the message.

While the SANHA has never certified any KFC outlet they have advised that caution be exercised on the consumption of KFC products.

The authority explained that they do not certify KFC as the process requires stringent monitoring and auditing system of every link in the supply chain, from head office to the various raw materials used and finally to the Halaal certified franchisee at the end of the chain.

“SANHA regards it as suicidal where Halaal certification is granted to the end operator in the chain (the franchisee) in isolation from the chief proponent (the franchisor); in some instances deliberately excluding itself. 

“KFC Head Office has over the years refused to be regulated by a formalised Halaal agreement contract with any Halaal certification body which renders it impossible to give Halaal assurances for their products on an ongoing basis.”

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IOL Lifestyle