KFC fires man over non-halaal food

2012-07-31 10:04

KFC chicken (Shutterstock)

Johannesburg - A Kentucky Fried Chicken employee is challenging his dismissal from work for apparently bringing non-halaal food into the fast food store in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, it was reported on Tuesday.

Jabulane Cele had brought uphuthu and bean curry to work when the owner of the fast food store accused him of breaching company policy, The Star reported.

He was suspended from work after he refused to sign a final warning letter and was fired last month.

Workers at the fast food franchise were apparently ordered to keep their lunch-boxes outside the building after the staff room was closed last year under new management.

“It was unfair of the management to force workers to eat their non-halaal food outside the building,” Cele said.

In a warning letter, KFC said: “It has been communicated to you that no outside food is allowed to be brought into KFC due to the franchise agreement with Yum Restaurants. This is due to the fact that KFC is halaal.”

KFC has strict policies

The store is owned by Colefax Trading (Pty) Ltd and Yum Restaurants which follows Islamic practices.

KFC spokesperson Simone Serebro told The Star that Cele’s dismissal was in compliance with the law and was done to preserve the quality of food produced by KFC.

“KFC South Africa has implemented strict policies relating to food safety practices. These procedures are implemented to ensure quality of food and health of staff and customers.

“Disciplinary action in relation to Mr Cele relates to continued contravention of these polices. This action was applied within the strict requirements of the Labour Relations Act,” said Serebro.

Cele has taken the matter to the United Chemical Industries Mining Electrical State Health and Aligned Workers Union which has gone to the CCMA.

The matter would be heard on August 10.

- SAPA