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Papa John's, West Street, Sittingbourne, denies it is to use halal meat following Facebook rumours

A pizza chain has denied rumours it is to serve halal meat.

Dozens of people said they would boycott Papa John’s in West Street, Sittingbourne, if it was added to the menu after a message was posted on the Facebook group The Gossip Board – Sittingbourne, on Saturday.

It said: “In case anyone is wondering, sometime in February Papa John’s in Sittingbourne is changing their meats to halal.

Papa John's in Sittingbourne has been linked with a change to halal meat after rumours spread on Facebook
Papa John's in Sittingbourne has been linked with a change to halal meat after rumours spread on Facebook

“I won’t be ordering from them again.”

It was followed by posts of “If that’s true neither will I” and “How barbaric! Now I will NEVER buy from them”.

In most slaughterhouses, cows, sheep and chicken are stunned, usually with an electric shock, to ensure they are unconscious before their throats are cut.

But in most Muslim countries halal animals are not stunned so it adheres to Islamic law, as defined in the Quran.

Manager Sunny Jutty says he has no intention of changing the ingredients at his take away shop
Manager Sunny Jutty says he has no intention of changing the ingredients at his take away shop

The Islamic form of slaughtering animals involves cutting the jugular vein, carotid artery and windpipe. The animal must be alive and healthy at the time and all blood drained from the carcass. During the process, a Muslim will recite a dedication.

According to the Halal Food Authority, a non-profit organisation that monitors adherence to halal principles, stunning cannot be used to kill an animal but it can be used if it survives and is then killed by halal methods.

"We’re not bringing in halal meat.

“Everything is staying as it is.” Sunny Jutty

Papa John’s manager Sunny Jutty said he had no intention of changing the ingredients to meet these strict dietary guidelines.

He said: "We’re not bringing in halal meat.

“Any changes would come from head office and they would inform us six months before switching.

“They’ve not informed [me] they’re intending to change it.

“Everything is staying as it is.”

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