UK: HFA says it does not certify Nando’s after confusion

A Halal certification body says it does not certify any Nando’s Restaurants.1280px-nandos_logo-svg

The Halal Food Authority (HFA) looked to clarify it’s stance after confusion among some readers.

In a statement it said, “HFA and Nandos have no contact at all.

“HFA does NOT certify any chicken supply for Nandos. Please exercise your own choice without any recourse to HFA’s approval. HFA is not a party to any of Nandos halal projects.”

HFA said the restaurant chain may use another certification organisation for their chicken.

It added, “Nandos does not currently qualify for HFA’s halal certification due to the presence of alcohol in the restaurants.”

Nandos have 367 restaurants, 67 of which serve only Halal chicken and are signposted both in the restaurant and online. The restaurant is popular with many Muslims across the UK.

The restaurant though has it’s own halal certification which is authorised by the Islamic institute of Jurisprudence. The restaurant chain is quite clear and transparent with regards to it’s halal certification procedure.

It is also happy to answer any questions consumers may have.

The Nando’s website says, “Our Halal chickens are supplied to us by Cargill Freemans of Newent. They are authorised by the Islamic institute of Jurisprudence and are one of the UK’s leading suppliers of Halal chicken.

“We are committed to the highest standards and therefore the quality, welfare and health of our chicken is a priority.

“All our chickens are indoor-reared. They are pre-stunned which minimises suffering and fear. The method used is a high frequency stun – this means the chicken is still alive, but unconscious when it is hand slaughtered and blessed by licensed Muslim slaughter men. “Their slaughter process is overseen by Mr. Ali Bham who has been a practicing Muslim slaughter man for over 20 years.

“All of our Halal products are clearly segregated at our supplier and in our distribution centre. Our Halal restaurants are authorised only to only receive poultry from our approved distribution centre.