Only halal cakes allowed inside, says McDonald’s

Policy complies with Jakim guidelines to protect integrity of halal certification, says McDonald's Malaysia.

PETALING JAYA: McDonald’s Malaysia has confirmed that only certified halal cakes are allowed inside its chain of restaurants.

In a statement to FMT, McDonald’s said the policy was in compliance with guidelines issued by the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) for halal certification.

“As a company that offers only halal-certified products, we implement a ‘no outside food policy’ to ensure that all products served and consumed at our restaurants are halal.

“In the case of ‘birthday parties’ at McDonald’s, we have made an exception to allow customers to bring in their own birthday cakes as part of their celebration, provided that the cakes are certified halal.”

It said the policy was important to the integrity of its halal certification and it would continue to comply with Jakim’s standards.

A picture of the notice stating only halal cakes are allowed into the popular fast food restaurants surfaced on the Internet today.

“It is important for all customers to heed this rule without exception, because it affects the halal status of McDonald’s restaurants in Malaysia,” says the McDonald’s Malaysia halal affairs department in the notice.

Jakim told FMT its halal guidelines were aimed at preventing food from getting mixed up and to stave off any doubts about the halal standard of the restaurants.

“The food that enters halal-certified premises must also be halal,” said Jakim halal hub division director Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee.

He said it was the responsibility of the halal-certified restaurant to ensure the guidelines were followed.

“In the matter of birthday celebrations at McDonald’s, for example, the customer must first get in touch with the management, whose responsibility is to make sure (the guidelines are understood and followed),” he said.

Sirajuddin said non-Muslims are also subject to the guidelines. -FMT